.png)
We all are going to die.
But not all of us are preparing our families for it. And that is just sad.
If you are not prepared, they will have to carry that burden on top of their already hard life, including grieving over someone they loved.
So preparing for death is not just spiritual, but also financial.
Proper preparation can help avoid leaving behind a legacy of chaos and conflict.
What should be on my checklist before my death?
Each person is going to have a different checklist. There will be items that you need to add, and some that are not necessary based on a few factors: age, marital status, number of children, amount of wealth, and family dynamics.
There are some core elements to an estate plan that can serve as the foundation upon which to build a checklist which include:
Create a Will
Review Debt
Hire a Christian Financial Advisor
Funeral Cost
Choose an Executor
Appoint A Power of Attorney
Itemize your valuables
Review account titling and retirement accounts
Adding these items to your checklist, will make the transition process easier. After taking care of these items, you will have a better understanding of what needs to be done before you pass.
How do you pass assets to heirs before death?
The easiest way to pass assets to heirs is to give it to them. Depending on the asset, give them ownership, and it will be taken out of your estate.
But this strategy may have tax implications that are not favorable to you or the person receiving the gift.
Please consult with an estate attorney to provide you with advice tailored to your unique situation.
The second most easiest way to pass assets to heirs is to designate the assets in a Will and assign beneficiaries.
For example, if you own an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and you want to give your child 25%. You can add them as a beneficiary by including their name and contact information.
Now at death, this 25% bypasses probate court and goes directly to the child.
How do you get your affairs in order before you die?
You can hire a Christian Financial Planner to help you get your financial affairs in order. They work closely with your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and your estate attorney to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in your financial plan.
Financial planning is a process and may take many months to complete. Investors are encouraged to start early, get it completed, and keep it updated.
Christian investors should keep in mind that policies and laws may change. So reviewing your financial plan at least annually, we keep you up to date, or increase the probability of having your affairs in order before you pass.
3 things to do financially to prepare your family for your death
In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, the host, A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ and Christian Financial Advisor shares his top 3 things you should do before you die.
Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning is crucial to avoid family disputes and ensure your wishes are respected. Without a clear plan, your family might face legal battles and emotional stress. Ridgeway's story of a family conflict underscores how a lack of preparation can lead to broken relationships.
Medical Directives and End-of-Life Decisions
A medical directive is a vital component of an estate plan. It provides clear instructions on medical interventions in case of severe illness. This can prevent unnecessary stress and disagreements among family members during difficult times, ensuring that your medical wishes are honored.
Appointing a Trustworthy Executor
The power of attorney ceases at death, making it essential to appoint an executor. This person will handle your estate according to your wishes. Ridgeway highlights that this role often falls to a spouse or close family member, but choosing the right person can prevent future conflicts and ensure smooth execution of your estate.
Educating and Preparing Successors
Preparing your heirs to manage their inheritance is crucial. Ridgeway suggests educating them about financial management to avoid squandering the estate. This preparation helps ensure that your legacy is preserved and that your heirs are capable of handling their newfound responsibilities.
Quotes:
"If you don't do these three things before you die, you may give birth to a generation of sin including lying, stealing, and even death."
"Estate planning usually comes with what they call a medical directive. In that medical directive, you tell the doctors what to do in certain medical situations."
"When you make someone a beneficiary, think about this: you don't have to notify them of the amount. You could just put them on the policy or bank account, but be careful because depending on the account and how they are listed, you may be giving them more assets than you feel comfortable with."
Join our Newsletter and receive our free 19-page e-book "4 Financial Principles Every Christian Should Know"
As Christians, we were taught to be good stewards over our tithing and giving to the less fortunate. But when it came to our personal finances and investing we were left clueless on what the Bible says. What does the Bible say about managing debt, leaving a legacy, investing, and planning for your retirement? Mr. Christian Finance answers these and many other questions because we want to teach you how to become rich and righteous!
Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.
Comments