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J. J. Wenrich CFP®

The Basics of Estate Planning

Let’s get serious for a minute…

Do you have kids? Then you need an estate plan that considers guardianship for your minor children in the event of a tragedy.

Do you have an opinion about what type of actions should be taken regarding your healthcare if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself because of illness or incapacity? Then you need an estate plan that formally makes your wishes known.

Remember this… If you don’t have a formal estate plan, you risk leaving important decisions in the hands of others, including the state. These examples above are just two of several things to consider when putting together a proper estate plan.

One of the most frequent “gaps” I find when helping clients develop their comprehensive financial plan has to do with estate planning.

At first glance, it may seem like “estate planning” is something quite grand and only for the super-rich. However, it’s really just common terminology encompassing smart financial planning strategies that everyone should consider.

Here’s a short list of things to consider when thinking about your plan:

  • Guardianship for minor children

  • Advance medical directives

  • Beneficiary designations for life insurance, retirement plans, other assets.

  • Do you have specific wishes regarding how proceeds from your life insurance or other assets are distributed?

  • Who would make medical and/or financial decisions on your behalf?

  • How organized is your plan? Would people be able to find it in an emergency?

  • What can you do to avoid the expensive and time-consuming probate process?

CLICK HERE to download our Basics of Estate Planning Brochure covering many of the basic documents that go into an estate plan.


You can also give me a call at 949.547.4313 or shoot me an email at jj.wenrich@lpl.com and we can chat.


While I'm not an attorney, I will work with your attorney to make sure you only pay for what you need, nothing more. If you don't have an attorney, I can refer you to one. I’m happy to help!

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