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Ensuring Tomorrow: Wrapping Up the Six Estate Planning Resolutions for 2024

Bob Goldberg • December 28, 2023

The Six Resolutions of Estate Planning

As we bid farewell to the year 2023, it's time to put the finishing touches on our journey through the Six Estate Planning Resolutions. Over the course of this series, we've delved into essential aspects of estate planning, from safeguarding your health decisions to ensuring your digital footprint is well-managed. Let's take a moment to recap the key resolutions and celebrate the strides you've made towards building a robust foundation for your family's future.

Resolution #1 - Make a Living Will: Our series kicked off with a fundamental resolution – making a living will. By outlining your medical preferences and end-of-life decisions, you've empowered yourself and your loved ones to navigate difficult healthcare choices with clarity and respect for your wishes. A living will ensures that your voice is heard, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

Resolution #2 - Establish a Power of Attorney (POA): In our second installment, we emphasized the importance of designating a trusted individual with power of attorney. By doing so, you've appointed someone to act on your behalf in financial, legal, and medical matters if you're unable to make decisions yourself. This resolution not only protects your interests but also streamlines decision-making during challenging times.

Resolution #3 - Review Your Beneficiaries and Assets: Ensuring that your beneficiaries and assets align with your current wishes is paramount. Resolution three prompted you to review and update this information regularly, guaranteeing that your loved ones receive the intended benefits and that your estate distribution aligns with your values and priorities.

Resolution #4 - Organize Your Digital Information: In an increasingly digital world, safeguarding your online presence is a must. Our fourth resolution encouraged you to organize and secure your digital information, including passwords, accounts, and other essential data. This step not only protects your assets but also facilitates a smoother transition for your loved ones in managing your digital legacy.

Resolution #5 - Review Your Estate Plan with Your Loved Ones: Communication is key in any successful estate plan. Resolution five emphasized the importance of discussing your plans with your loved ones, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Open and transparent conversations foster understanding, prevent disputes, and provide peace of mind for both you and your family.

Resolution #6 - Make an Estate Plan if You Don’t Already Have One: Our final resolution was a call to action for those who hadn't yet embarked on the estate planning journey. By crafting a comprehensive estate plan, you've laid the groundwork for a secure future, protecting your assets, and simplifying matters for your loved ones in the event of incapacity or death.

As we conclude this series, pat yourself on the back for taking proactive steps towards securing your legacy. Estate planning is not a one-time event but a dynamic process that should evolve with your life. Your commitment to these resolutions demonstrates a profound dedication to the well-being of your family. We hope that 2024 and all of your years to come are filled with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've taken the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and secure future for your loved ones. Here's to a legacy well-planned and a future well-protected!

Happy New Year and Cheers to 2024!

-Robert Goldberg

Robert Goldberg & Associates

770-229-5729

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New Year's Week - Your 2025 Estate Planning Resolutions

By Bob Goldberg • January 1, 2025

As we welcome 2025, let's turn those year-end family discussions into concrete actions. Here's your five-step estate planning resolution guide: 1. Schedule a Family Meeting: o Discuss your goals and values o Share important information o Address concerns and questions 2. Gather Important Documents: o Financial statements o Property deeds o Insurance policies o Account information 3. Review Life Changes: o Family additions or losses o Property purchases or sales o Business changes o Retirement plans 4. Update Your Plan: o Review existing documents o Update beneficiaries o Adjust for new tax laws o Consider new planning tools 5. Communicate Your Plan: o Share with key family members o Organize important documents o Create easy access systems o Schedule regular reviews Start your new year with the resolution that matters most – protecting your family's future. Our team is ready to help you create or update your estate plan in 2025 . Contact Robert M. Goldberg & Associates at 770-229-5729 or visit www.goldbergestateplanning.com to schedule your estate planning consultation. Start 2025 with confidence in your family's future.

Christmas Week - New Year, New Plan

By Bob Goldberg • December 25, 2024

As we celebrate the holidays and look toward 2025, many of us are thinking about New Year's resolutions. While health and fitness goals often top the list, consider making estate planning your priority for the new year. Why January is ideal for estate planning: 1. Fresh Start: Begin the year with peace of mind 2. Tax Planning: Maximize new year tax benefits 3. Clear Mind: Post-holiday clarity for important decisions 4. Family Focus: Build on holiday discussions about the future Schedule your January consultation now and start 2025 with confidence in your family's future. Contact Robert M. Goldberg & Associates at 770-229-5729 or visit www.goldbergestateplanning.com to schedule your estate planning consultation. Start 2025 with confidence in your family's future.

Family Stories and Estate Planning:

By Bob Goldberg • December 18, 2024

As families gather for holiday celebrations, stories are shared that connect generations – grandparents reminiscing about their childhood, parents sharing family traditions, children learning about their heritage. Estate planning isn't just about passing down assets; it's about preserving these precious family stories and values. Here's how comprehensive estate planning helps preserve your family's legacy: 1. Ethical Wills: Passing down your values, life lessons, and family stories 2. Family Business Succession: Preserving family enterprises and traditions 3. Charitable Planning: Creating a lasting legacy of giving 4. Digital Legacy: Preserving family photos, videos, and memories Let this holiday season inspire you to think about the complete legacy you want to leave – both tangible and intangible. Contact Robert M. Goldberg & Associates at 770-229-5729 or visit www.goldbergestateplanning.com to schedule your estate planning consultation. Start 2025 with confidence in your family's future.

From Holiday Conversations to Action

By Bob Goldberg • December 4, 2024

Did your Thanksgiving gathering spark important family discussions about the future? You're not alone. Many of our clients find holiday conversations naturally lead to thoughts about estate planning and legacy. As we move into December, here's a practical checklist to turn those family discussions into action: 1. Review Your Current Plan: o Has your family situation changed? o Have there been significant changes in your assets? o Are your beneficiary designations up to date? 2. Consider Year-End Tax Planning: o Annual gift exclusions expire December 31 o Charitable giving opportunities o Required minimum distributions from retirement accounts 3. Update Important Documents: o Wills and trusts o Healthcare directives o Powers of attorney o Insurance beneficiaries Don't let these important tasks get lost in the holiday shuffle. Our team is here to help you complete your estate planning before year's end. body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source. Contact Robert M. Goldberg & Associates at 770-229-5729 or visit www.goldbergestateplanning.com to schedule your estate planning consultation. Start 2025 with confidence in your family's future.

Gratitude and Legacy: Why Thanksgiving is the Perfect Time to Talk About Estate Planning

By Bob Goldberg • November 20, 2024

As families gather around the Thanksgiving table next week, conversations will flow about memories, family stories, and hopes for the future. While turkey and stuffing might be the centerpiece of your table, these meaningful family discussions are the true heart of Thanksgiving. At Robert M. Goldberg & Associates, we've noticed holiday gatherings often spark important conversations about family legacy. When multiple generations come together, it's natural to think about how we want to protect and provide for our loved ones. Here are three reasons why Thanksgiving weekend provides the perfect opportunity to begin estate planning discussions: Family is Already Gathered: With loved ones together, you can have meaningful conversations about your family's future in person, rather than over phone calls or emails. The Spirit of Gratitude: Thanksgiving's focus on gratitude naturally leads to thoughts about how we can protect what we're thankful for – our family, our assets, and our legacy. Year-End Planning: With just over a month left in the year, it's an ideal time to consider important financial and legal decisions before December 31st. Remember, starting these conversations doesn't mean diving into complex legal details over pumpkin pie. Instead, use this time to begin open discussions about family values, hopes for the future, and the importance of protecting what matters most. This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for the trust our clients place in us to help protect their families' futures. If holiday conversations turn to estate planning, know that we're here to help turn your family's wishes into a solid legal plan. Contact Robert M. Goldberg & Associates at 770-229-5729 or visit www.goldbergestateplanning.com to schedule your estate planning consultation. Start 2025 with confidence in your family's future.