What is an estate strategy - and do I need one?

A proactive strategy is important

You may think that only people who are "wealthy" or have complicated family situations need an estate strategy, but that's not the case.

We believe that no matter what your net worth, you can benefit from working with a team of professionals to create an estate strategy that aligns with your wishes for the future. That's because without a proactive estate strategy, decisions about the care of your children, your assets and your health care may likely be controlled by provincial law and the courts.

Your Edward Jones financial advisor can help walk you through the process, prioritize your goals and work to coordinate your team of tax and legal professionals to help ensure your personal estate goals are met. We can also help ensure your investment strategy is aligned with your estate strategy.

Key pieces of an estate strategy

An estate strategy includes several documents that work together to outline your wishes when it comes to finances and medical care – both during life and afterwards. So, what's best for you? It all depends on your goals and what's important to you. But here are some quick facts on the common types of documents or strategies that you should discuss with your estate-planning lawyer.

1. Will - A Will provides direction for the distribution of your property and the care of any minor children after your death.
2. Living trust - Assets you register into a living trust, such as an Alter Ego Trust, can be managed by your named trustee if you become incapacitated and may bypass probate at your death.
3. Power of Attorney for Property - Allows you to name a person or entity to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself (in cases of incapacity, etc.).
4. Power of Attorney for Personal Care - A Power of Attorney for Personal Care, also called a Representation Agreement or Healthcare Directive in some provinces, allows you to name who you want to make health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes due to incapacity.
5. Beneficiary designations - Some types of investment accounts and insurance policies allow you to designate a beneficiary to receive their proceeds at your death.

How we can help

This is just a starting point to decide what may make sense for you. Talk with your Edward Jones financial advisor to help get the process started with your team of legal and tax professionals today.