Choosing between a will, trust, or doing nothing at all can feel overwhelming, but your decisions today will impact your loved ones tomorrow. In this Q&A, I’ll break down the key estate planning options, explain probate, and share practical ways to protect your family from unnecessary stress and court involvement. Whether you’re unsure about asset distribution, guardianship for minors, or simply uncomfortable discussing estate planning, this guide will help you take the next steps with confidence.

Understanding how your accounts and assets are titled is crucial for ensuring a smooth transfer to your loved ones while avoiding common pitfalls. In this first part of a two-part series, we answer key questions about joint ownership, transfer-on-death designations, and how to best structure your estate plan to protect your assets.

Did you know that billions of dollars in unclaimed assets are sitting with state governments, waiting for their rightful owners? On National Unclaimed Property Day, it’s a reminder that lost assets aren’t just a distant issue—they could be yours. Forgotten bank accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement funds often slip through the cracks due to lack of planning. How can you prevent this from happening to your hard-earned assets? A well-organized estate plan, complete with an updated asset inventory, ensures your wealth reaches your loved ones—not state custody. Ready to take the next step? Let’s create a Life & Legacy Plan that safeguards everything you’ve built.