Finance

Estate planning: getting the right documents in place before you need them.

A will, a power of attorney, updated beneficiary designations — these aren't just for the wealthy. They're the documents that protect your family when you can't speak for yourself.

Estate & Legacy Planning

Estate Planning Basics: What Every Retiree Needs to Have in Place

You don't need a large estate to need an estate plan. A will, a power of attorney, a healthcare directive, and updated beneficiaries are the foundation — and most people are missing at least one of them.

Estate & Legacy Planning

What Is a Will and What Happens If You Don't Have One?

A will tells the court who gets your assets and — if you have minor children — who should care for them. Without one, your state decides. Here's what a basic will covers and why it matters even if you think you don't need one.

Free download

Download the free Retirement Clarity Checklist.

One page covering every major retirement category — finances, Social Security, Medicare, insurance, estate planning, and lifestyle.

Get the checklist

Estate & Legacy Planning

Powers of Attorney: Financial and Healthcare — Why You Need Both

A financial power of attorney lets someone manage your money if you're incapacitated. A healthcare power of attorney lets someone make medical decisions. These are two separate documents, and you need both.

Estate & Legacy Planning

Beneficiary Designations: The Estate Planning Step Most People Overlook

Your 401(k), IRA, and life insurance pass directly to whoever you've named as beneficiary — regardless of what your will says. An outdated beneficiary designation is one of the most common and costly estate planning mistakes.

Estate & Legacy Planning

Passing on a Legacy: How to Talk to Your Family About Your Wishes

The most important estate planning document is sometimes a conversation. Telling your family what you want — and why — reduces conflict, prevents surprises, and helps the people you love honor your wishes.

Estate & Legacy Planning resources

Tools relevant to this topic.

Retirement ChecklistIncludes an estate planning section covering documents and beneficiaries.Free download

Estate Planning ChecklistFull checklist of documents, accounts, and conversations to complete.Coming soon

Beneficiary Designation GuideHow to review and update beneficiaries across all your accounts.Coming soon

Official government resources

Straight from the source.

Estate Planning — USA.govGovernment overview of wills, trusts, and estate planningOfficial Gov Resource
What Is a Power of Attorney? — USA.govTypes of POA and how they workOfficial Gov Resource

Have a question about this topic? Join the discussion in theRetirement Clarity Community on Facebook →

Estate planning: getting the right documents in place before you need them.

Estate Planning Basics: What Every Retiree Needs to Have in Place

What Is a Will and What Happens If You Don't Have One?

Powers of Attorney: Financial and Healthcare — Why You Need Both

Beneficiary Designations: The Estate Planning Step Most People Overlook

Passing on a Legacy: How to Talk to Your Family About Your Wishes

Tools relevant to this topic.

Straight from the source.

One helpful email, once a month.