()– How delicately can you put it?

All of us will go at some point.

What then?

You might think that your estate will miraculously be reorganized and that the squabbling family members are just a TV show. You’re not leaving your estate. Ken Cella, a financial services executive at Edward Jones, says you’re leaving “what Ken Cella calls an estate.” “a legacy.”

“You want to be the one who’s in control of what happens to what matters most to you, such as minor children, dependents, financial assets, even your own health care decisions,”He said. “Without a properly planned estate, or legacy strategy, your assets could be subject to the time-consuming, expensive and very public process where relatives and creditors can gain access to records and even challenge your will.”

Edward Jones recently conducted a survey and found that while 77% of Americans think having such a plan is important, only 24% of Americans have actually taken the simple step of designating beneficiaries to all their accounts. Avoid one of these. “then what?”These are the most important elements to remember in these crucial moments

• A Will. If you don’t have a plan, what’s the worst thing that could happen? “Plenty,” as US News & World Report has written, “depending on your situation, the personalities of the people in your life – and the estate laws that your state has on the books.”

This means that a court judge could decide who gets your Beatles music if your family isn’t able to agree. He or she could also appoint a guardian to care for your minor children.

• A Living Trust. Do you own out-of-state property, a la a vacation home, say? Maybe you would like to leave more money to one child over the others. You can register assets in a revocable life trust to benefit you during your lifetime. They can also be managed by the named trustee if your condition becomes serious.

• A Health Care Directive.Just as you wouldn’t like a judge deciding who gets your Beatles album, the courts also shouldn’t settle inter-family disputes over whether you prefer to live in vegetative state or be taken from hospital feeding tubes.

Yes, it has.

Are you shivering at the thought of it? Then, you will understand the importance and necessity of appointing someone for your medical treatment in case you become unable or otherwise unable to communicate.

• Beneficiary Designations.It’s not necessary to mention that you don’t want your beneficiary name to be included in accounts such as their 401(k), or other savings.

Some estate planning is as easy as a written will. But there are other options. financial advisorA local Edward Jones lawyer can help you and your tax and legal professional to devise a strategy that could potentially avoid probate, which is a court process. “P”Word – but also make sure your investments are in line with your goals.