The Unfinished Plan
David and Michelle are in their early 50’s, juggling successful careers, two teenagers, and aging parents who are starting to need more care. Like many, they meant to revisit their estate plan, but life got in the way. Their will is nearly a decade old. Their home is titled only in Michelle’s name. And their IRA beneficiaries haven’t been reviewed since David switched jobs.
They know planning is important. But between work and family, it’s hard to make the time.
Then imagine a sudden accident. Would Michelle be able to access David’s accounts or make medical decisions? Would their kids be placed with the right guardians? Without updated documents, their family could be left in legal limbo during one of the most difficult times.
What Is Estate Planning Really About?
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to protect the people they love and leave behind clarity instead of chaos. It involves deciding who will manage your assets, how they’ll be distributed, and who will make decisions if you can’t.
More than anything, it’s an act of care.
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Understand Probate and How to Avoid It
Probate is a public, court-supervised process for settling estates. It can be expensive and slow. Tools like revocable trusts, joint account titling, and beneficiary designations can reduce or eliminate the need for probate.
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Create or Update Your Will
Your will names guardians for minor children and explains how you want your assets distributed. While it doesn’t avoid probate, it gives clear instructions and can help reduce family conflict.
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Check Your Beneficiaries and Account Titles
IRAs, 401(k)s, insurance policies, and even bank accounts can have named beneficiaries or be set up as transfer-on-death (TOD). Review these regularly—especially after marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Gatewood Guidance: These designations often override your will. We help ensure your titling and beneficiaries reflect your current wishes.
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Consider a Revocable Living Trust
A living trust can help manage assets during life and transfer them privately after death, avoiding probate. It’s ideal for blended families, out-of-state property, or complex estates.
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Establish Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives
Appoint someone you trust to make financial and medical decisions if you’re incapacitated. Documents include:
- Durable Power of Attorney (for finances)
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Living Will (end-of-life preferences)
Don’t forget your family: If you have aging parents or unmarried adult children, help them get these documents in place. Without them, you may not have legal authority in an emergency.
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Have the Conversation
Talking about your estate plan with family can feel awkward. But it’s one of the most valuable things you can do. It sets expectations, reduces conflict, and ensures your intentions are understood.
Tips for a Better Conversation:
- Start with your values, not your valuables
- Choose a relaxed setting
- Be open and invite questions
Gatewood Wisdom: A well-prepared family is the best legacy you can leave.
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Be Strategic About Taxes
Smart estate planning can help reduce taxes and preserve wealth:
- Step-Up in Basis: Appreciated assets get a new cost basis when inherited, which may reduce capital gains taxes.
- Inherited IRAs: Understand the 10-year withdrawal rule under the SECURE Act.
- Charitable Giving: QCDs, donor-advised funds, and gifting appreciated assets can all help.
We collaborate with your CPA and estate attorney to build an integrated, tax-efficient strategy.
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Keep It Current
Review your plan every three years or when life changes. New job? Move? Grandchild born? These events should prompt an update.
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Get Organized
David & Michelle’s Confidence & Relief
Six months later, David and Michelle are finally caught up. Their wills are updated. A trust is in place. Healthcare documents signed. Guardians named. They’ve even had heartfelt conversations with their kids.
They feel confident and relieved. They know their family is protected, their wishes documented, and their legacy secured.
Let’s Start the Conversation
You’ve worked hard, made thoughtful decisions, and provided for the people you love. But when it comes to estate planning, even the most successful families can feel uncertain or overwhelmed.
At Gatewood Wealth Solutions, we believe estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about honoring your life, your values, and the people who matter most. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an old plan, we walk beside you—coordinating with your attorney and tax team to bring everything into alignment.
It’s not just about avoiding problems. It’s about creating clarity, reducing burdens, and knowing your family will be cared for the way you intend.
Let’s build something lasting—together.
Reach out today to schedule your estate planning conversation.
Important Disclosures:
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor