“Having a legacy plan is the greatest act of love.”
I said that on a podcast recently, and I meant it with my whole heart.
After navigating loss in my own family, I saw just how much confusion, stress, and second-guessing can follow when there’s no plan in place. You’re grieving—and suddenly responsible for making decisions you were never prepared for.
That experience changed the way I think about planning. And more than anything, it deepened my belief that estate planning isn’t about how much you have. It’s about how much you care.
My husband and I didn’t build a plan because we had a complex estate.
We built it because we wanted our kids—and anyone walking beside them—to feel peace, not pressure. Clarity, not chaos. Direction, not doubt.
Estate planning isn’t about wealth. It’s about well-being.
You don’t need a trust fund or a portfolio of investments to start planning.
Let me show you what I mean…
Take the average American household:
- A modest home
- Two cars
- A 401(k) with a few thousand—or a few hundred thousand—dollars
- Maybe a life insurance policy
- A checking account, a savings account, some credit cards
According to the Federal Reserve, over 65% of U.S. adults own a home, and 54% have some form of retirement account. Even if you don’t feel “wealthy,” you likely have something that needs to be transferred, protected, or clarified.
Now imagine this...
You pass away unexpectedly. There’s no will. Your bank accounts are frozen. Your adult kids are grieving, and they don’t know who should take care of the house, whether the life insurance policy exists, or if they’re allowed to sell the car.
Suddenly, a few simple assets become months of probate hearings, legal delays, tax questions, and—too often—family tension.
That’s why clarity matters.
Not because you have a lot. But because you care about what you do have—and who you want it to help.
What your loved ones need most isn’t legalese, it’s direction and clarity. It’s knowing what to do—and what you wanted—when you’re no longer here to explain it.
A legacy plan gives your family:
- Space to grieve without legal stress or financial urgency
- Fewer surprises in probate, taxes, or outdated documents
- Protection from conflict over “who gets what” or “what they would’ve wanted”
- Confidence that they’re doing the right thing on your behalf
If you’re not sure where to begin, our Legacy Planning Services are built specifically to help families take that first step with care and clarity.
What happens when there’s no plan?
According to a 2025 study from Caring.com, 2 out of 3 Americans still don’t have a will. And many believe estate planning is only necessary if you have a lot of money—which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Here’s what happens without a plan:
- Probate court determines how your assets are distributed (Nolo)
- Loved ones may face legal delays of 12–18 months
- Executors often spend 570+ hours handling tasks you could prepare for in advance (EstateExec)
Estate planning isn’t about preparing for death. It’s about protecting life—for the people you love most.
Where to start—without overwhelm
Start with three simple questions:
- Who do I trust to make decisions if I can’t?
This includes Power of Attorney, medical directives, and guardianship. If you’re not sure who should take on this role, see this free download: Choosing (and Asking) an Executor - What do I want my family to know and find easily?
This could include wishes, values, account info, documents, and contacts. - What will help them feel supported—not stuck—when I’m gone?
You don’t need all the answers today. You just need to start asking the right questions.
