You’re out on the course, the sun is rising, and the fairway is perfectly trimmed. You take a deep breath, line up your shot, and swing. But despite your preparation, the ball lands in the bunker. It’s a familiar lesson for any golfer: no matter how experienced you are, conditions change—and your game must adapt.
Estate planning is much the same. Life brings unexpected challenges, and just like golf, success requires preparation, flexibility, and the right tools. So, as you polish your swing during National Golf Month, take time to consider your estate plan, too.
Teeing Off: Start with the Basics
In golf, overthinking can lead to the dreaded “yips.” The same goes for estate planning—many people delay the process because they don’t know where to begin. Start by gathering the essentials:
-
What you own: Include bank accounts, real estate, investments, vehicles, and digital assets.
-
What you owe: Think mortgages, loans, and other debts.
-
Who you want to inherit your assets: List your intended beneficiaries, from family to charities.
This inventory is your estate planning “yardage book”—without it, you're taking blind swings. With it, you can take your first shot with confidence.
Choosing the Right Club: Select the Right Tools
Just like you wouldn’t use a putter off the tee, not every estate planning tool is right for every situation. Your estate “bag” may include:
-
Wills and trusts
-
Powers of attorney
-
Healthcare directives
If you have a complex family situation, a business, or a loved one with special needs, your plan may require more than just a basic will. That’s where your estate planning attorney comes in—your personal “caddy” to help choose the right tools for the job.
The Drive: Sign and Execute
Your first swing sets the tone for the hole. In estate planning, that’s signing your foundational documents. These put protections in place, such as:
-
Naming guardians for minor children
-
Authorizing someone to manage your affairs if you're incapacitated
-
Avoiding probate and minimizing tax exposure
It's not a hole-in-one, but it moves you forward and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re no longer stuck at the tee box.
The Short Game: Make Adjustments as Life Changes
Even after a great drive, the putt matters. Life events—marriage, children, divorce, changes in wealth, or tax law updates—can change your course. Review and adjust your estate plan every few years or after major events to stay aligned with your goals.
Play the Full 18
Golf isn't won on a few great holes—it’s about consistency and focus through all 18. Your estate plan deserves the same attention. Build it to last through every life stage, and review it regularly to stay ahead of shifting “course conditions.”
This August, don’t just fine-tune your swing—fine-tune your legacy. If you need help navigating the estate planning fairway, we’re here to be your trusted guide.