After nearly 30 years of helping families plan their legacies, I’ve seen firsthand that a well-organized estate plan, and a valid will, is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind. But 2026 brings significant changes that make updating your estate plan more critical than ever. Especially with the new $15 million federal estate tax exemption ($30 million for married couples) and the growing complexity of digital assets like cryptocurrency and online accounts.
So, what is the single most important step? It’s starting with a comprehensive estate planning checklist.
Many people think a simple will is enough, but that often leaves dangerous gaps that can lead to probate court, family disputes, and unnecessary costs.
This guide doesn’t just give you a to-do list; it provides a step-by-step framework to ensure your will, trusts, and beneficiary designations all work together seamlessly, protecting everything you’ve worked for.
Problem: You know you need an estate plan, but the process feels overwhelming, and you’re afraid of missing a critical step that could cost your family time and money.
Answer: Use a structured, downloadable checklist to systematically organize your will, trust, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations in one go.
Insight: A common mistake is forgetting that beneficiary designations on accounts like 401(k)s and life insurance often override what’s written in your will. This checklist forces you to review them.
Teaser: We’ll cover not just the foundational documents, but also how to handle digital assets—a modern necessity that most basic plans overlook.
Download & Personalize: Click the “Download PDF” button or print directly from your browser. You can check off items interactively online, or use the printable version to keep physical records with your documents.
Work Through Each Phase: The checklist is divided into phases: Foundational Legal Documents (Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Advance Healthcare Directive), Financial & Asset Inventory (accounts, real estate, valuables), Beneficiary Review, Digital Assets, and Final Wishes.
Update Beneficiaries & Documents: Ensure all beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, and transfer-on-death accounts are current—these override your will in most cases.
Compile and Secure: Collect and organize your documents in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or with your estate attorney. Use the checklist’s “pro tip” reminders to share your plan with trusted family or your executor.
Review Regularly: Set a calendar reminder to review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, major purchase).
Consult an Expert: The checklist is comprehensive but does not replace legal advice. Consult with a qualified estate planning attorney for state-specific requirements, tax optimization strategies, or advanced trust planning.
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The Michael Ryan Money
Essential Estate Planning Checklist
This isn’t about complicated legal jargon; it’s about peace of mind. Use this checklist to get your affairs in order and create a clear, legally sound plan that protects your family’s future. Let’s get it done.
1
The Foundational Legal Documents
Last Will and Testament: The roadmap for your assets.
Name an Executor to manage your estate.
Name Guardians for any minor children. This is non-negotiable for parents.
Detail who inherits your property and assets.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (POA): Your financial decision-maker.
Appoint a trusted agent to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will): Your healthcare advocate.
Name a healthcare agent to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Outline your wishes for medical and end-of-life care.
2
Financial & Asset Organization
Create a Master List of Assets:
All bank accounts (Checking, Savings, CDs).
All investment accounts (Brokerage, 401(k), IRAs, HSAs).
Physical property deeds (Home, other real estate).
Crucial: Beneficiary designations override your will. Ensure they are up-to-date.
3
Digital Life & Final Wishes
Compile a Digital Asset Inventory:
Create a secure list of important online accounts and passwords (or password manager access).
Include email, social media, cloud storage, and financial logins.
Appoint a “Digital Executor” in your will to manage or close these accounts.
Document Your Final Wishes:
State your preference for burial or cremation.
Outline any funeral or memorial service preferences.
Note where important documents are located.
4
Review & Finalize Your Plan
Store Documents Safely:
Keep original documents in a secure place (like a fireproof safe or with your attorney).
Ensure your Executor and/or agent knows where to find them.
Inform Key People:
Let your Executor, Guardians, and POA agents know you have appointed them and discuss their roles.
Schedule a Review:
Set a calendar reminder to review your estate plan every 3-5 years, or after any major life event (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant financial change).
Michael’s Pro-Tip:
Don’t wait for perfection, just be sure to read up on the most common estate planning mistakes people make A simple, legally valid will created today is infinitely better than a perfect one you never get around to writing. Start messy, but start now.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or financial advice. Consult with a qualified attorney to ensure your estate plan complies with your state’s laws.
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