Creating A Legacy: Estate Planning For Your Financial Future

Estate planning is a crucial part of financial planning that many people tend to overlook. In India, the concept of estate planning is still relatively new, and most people might not realize its importance. According to a survey conducted by WillJini, a leading online will-making platform in India, over 70% of Indians do not have a valid Will in place. Additionally, the survey found that only 17% of respondents had even heard of the term “estate planning.”

Despite these statistics, estate planning is a critical component of creating a financial legacy and providing for your loved ones after your death or incapacity. Without a solid estate plan in place, your assets may not be distributed according to your wishes, and your loved ones may face unnecessary legal battles and financial hardship.

Let us explore the key points to consider when creating an estate plan:

1. Start with a Will:
A Will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It is the cornerstone of any estate plan. Without a Will, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not align with your wishes. Make sure your Will is updated regularly to reflect any changes in your circumstances or wishes.

2. Consider a Trust:
A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages your assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. It can be an effective way to pass on your assets while avoiding probate, reducing estate taxes, and providing ongoing management for your beneficiaries. A trust can also be used to protect assets for specific purposes, such as education or healthcare.

3. Choose the Right Beneficiaries:
It is essential to choose the right beneficiaries for your assets. While most people choose their family members, you can also choose to leave your assets to a charity or a trust. Make sure you name your beneficiaries explicitly in your Will or trust, and consider naming alternate beneficiaries in case your primary beneficiaries are unable to inherit.

4. Minimize Taxes:
Estate taxes can significantly reduce the value of your estate, leaving less for your beneficiaries. By working with a financial advisor, you can create an estate plan that minimizes taxes and maximizes the amount that goes to your beneficiaries.

5. Appoint an Executor:
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in your Will. It is essential to choose someone who is trustworthy, capable, and willing to take on the responsibility. Make sure you discuss your choice with the person you want to appoint and have a backup executor in case your primary choice is unable or unwilling to serve.

6. Consider your Digital Assets:
In today’s digital age, it is important to consider your digital assets when creating an estate plan. These assets can include email accounts, social media profiles, online banking and investment accounts, and digital photo and music collections. Make sure you leave instructions for how you want these assets to be handled after your death.

7. Plan for Incapacity:
Estate planning is not just about what happens after your death. It also includes planning for incapacity, which can happen at any age. A power of attorney and a living will can help ensure that your wishes are followed if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

8. Review and Update your Estate Plan regularly:
Your estate plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in your circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a beneficiary or executor. Make sure your estate plan is up-to-date and reflects your current wishes.

Conclusion:

Estate planning is an essential part of financial planning that should not be overlooked. It allows you to create a legacy and provide for your loved ones in the event of your death or incapacity. By following these key points, you can create an estate plan that reflects your wishes and provides peace of mind to you and your family.

These tips are provided by experts and financial planners at HappyWise Financial Services. We hope these have been helpful for your estate planning. For any further assistance, feel free to reach out at contact@happywise.in.