Why Wealth Transfer Plans are Critical to Estate Planning
Don’t Neglect this Essential Aspect of Leaving Assets to Your Heirs
When it comes to estate planning, there can be many moving parts that are difficult to keep track of. Often, even having all of the proper documentation in place can still lead to confusion and errors. This is why you should make certain that you incorporate a wealth transfer plan into your estate planning.
Estate Plans
Estate plans, in general, are crucial. Without one, your family could be left dealing with some or all of the following:
- Expensive attorney and court costs
- Much time spent handling the process
- Stress and frustration
- Distribution of assets with no regard for your wishes
Ensuring that you take the time to prepare the proper estate planning documents can prevent your family from dealing with any of the above. Doing this will also give you lots of flexibility in deciding who benefits from your assets. You can choose whether your assets get left to your family, close friends, or even a charity that is meaningful to you.
Your assets could also be used to pay taxes, attorneys, or something similar. Having the proper documents drawn up before the end of your life means that your assets go where you want them to go in a relatively quick and low-cost transfer process. Additionally, when your wishes are clear and in writing, it can help keep or instill family harmony during a difficult time.
SEE ALSO: How to Handle Debts in an Estate
If you haven’t begun your estate plan yet, I recommend reaching out to an estate planning attorney to determine what types of documents you will need to meet your family’s needs.
One of the easiest ways to navigate this process is to use a financial planner/advisor who has experience in this area. This way, they will be able to recommend options based on your specific situation and coordinate with the estate attorney to implement the estate plan by changing beneficiaries and/or retitling your assets.
Wealth Transfer Plans
A wealth transfer plan is an important part of the estate planning process. It is defined as a series of decisions you make and actions you take to prepare your heirs for what will happen when you die. Making your intentions as crystal clear as possible is the best way to make sure your wishes are met.
One of the most common mistakes in estate planning is to think that once you have your estate documents in order, you are finished. However, estate planning without including wealth transfer planning can result in sticky situations.
Here are a few of the most common:
Family Drama
Too many families are torn apart by discord and jealousy brought on by poor estate planning. There can be feelings of jealousy and animosity when a family member passes away and beneficiaries are revealed. Some heirs may feel short-changed or confused about the deceased’s decision-making, and feelings of hurt can quickly become anger. This type of discord is especially troublesome when a family business is involved.
Loss of Wealth
It is not uncommon for family wealth to be gone by the second or third generation. Heirs are often unprepared to receive an inheritance, and they may make critical errors in tax planning and investing.
Too Much Too Soon
“Sudden Wealth Syndrome” is truly problematic for heirs who receive a large sum and then spend with wild abandon, failing to understand they are quickly squandering a family fortune that took time and effort to build.
Luckily, it is relatively easy to avoid all of these situations. The best way to avoid family drama or sending money to unprepared heirs is to use a wealth transfer plan.
SEE ALSO: The Heirless Estate: What to Do and When to Do It
Goals of a Wealth Transfer Plan
Perhaps the single most crucial part of wealth transfer planning is to openly communicate your goals and values as they relate to money and family. The following steps are also quite valuable:
- Be clear about your chosen heirs or beneficiaries, as well as the time frames for asset transfers. Although this type of open discussion can lead to some bad feelings, you’ll have the opportunity to address issues while you’re still alive and put potential problems to rest.
- Introduce your heirs to your financial planner, your attorney, and your tax advisor. If they have questions, it’s easier to address them now while you’re still living.
- Build a foundation of financial understanding so your family will be better prepared when the time comes to receive your assets.
- Discuss all the options for transferring your wealth, including potential tax consequences of direct gifts or the importance of charitable giving when appropriate.
- Help your heirs begin their own estate planning so they will have documents in place that make them better prepared to accept their future inheritance.
Final Thoughts on Wealth Transfer Plans
Estate planning is essential, but wealth transfer planning adds a critical layer of preparation for your family that is not included in conventional estate planning. Use both of these strategies to ensure that your assets are distributed and managed according to your wishes.
Are you interested in professional guidance with your financial and estate planning needs? Please click here to schedule a discovery call with a member of the Echo Wealth Management team today.
