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Start the New Year Right: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Estate Planning

Beth Cree

Beth’s focus with her clients is to serve with integrity and professionalism...

Beth’s focus with her clients is to serve with integrity and professionalism...

Jan 18 6 minutes read

Start the New Year Right: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Estate Planning

As we welcome the new year, many of us resolve to take better care of our health, finances, and relationships. One often-overlooked resolution, however, is ensuring that our estate plans are in order. For retirees and seniors, estate planning is a vital step toward protecting your legacy and providing peace of mind for your family.

This year, why not set a goal to complete your estate planning? With a manageable timeline, you can achieve this important task step by step. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation (January–February)

  • Take inventory: List your assets, including properties, investments, retirement accounts, and personal belongings.
  • Review existing documents: Locate any wills, trusts, or powers of attorney you may already have in place.
  • Identify your goals: Think about what you want to achieve with your estate plan. For instance, do you want to provide for grandchildren’s education, support a favorite charity, or ensure a smooth property transfer and settling of your estate? 

Step 2: Choose Your Team (March)

Estate planning is a team effort. Seek out professionals who can guide you through the process:

  • Attorney: Look for an estate planning attorney experienced in wills, trusts, and probate law.
  • Financial advisor: They can help you understand how to maximize your assets and reduce taxes.
  • Real estate expert: If your plan includes downsizing or transferring property, I’m here to help with expert advice tailored to retirees and seniors.  My designation as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist gives me unique skills at this phase of life!

Step 3: Draft Essential Documents (April–June)

Work with your attorney to draft or update key estate planning documents:

  • Last Will and Testament: Outline your wishes for asset distribution.
  • Living Trust: Consider a trust for more seamless property and asset transfer.
  • Healthcare Directives: Ensure your medical preferences are documented.
  • Durable Power of Attorney: Appoint someone to manage financial decisions if you’re unable to.

Step 4: Organize Your Real Estate (July–August)

Real estate often forms a significant part of an estate. Take these steps to ensure it’s properly handled:

  • Review property titles: Ensure ownership aligns with your estate goals.
  • Consider downsizing: If you’re thinking of moving to a smaller home, I specialize in helping retirees and seniors navigate the process smoothly.
  • Plan for future transfers: Discuss strategies with your attorney to minimize taxes or complications for your heirs.

Step 5: Communicate with Your Loved Ones (September)

Once your plan is in place, it’s important to share it with those it will impact:

  • Have a family meeting: Explain your estate plan and the reasoning behind your decisions to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Provide access to key documents: Ensure your executor and trusted family members know where to find your documents.

Step 6: Review and Finalize (October–December)

Estate planning isn’t a one-time task. Revisit your plan annually to ensure it still meets your goals.

  • Update beneficiaries: Confirm your beneficiaries are current on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other accounts.
  • Make adjustments: Life changes like births, deaths, or financial shifts may require updates to your plan.
  • Celebrate your achievement: Completing your estate plan is a significant accomplishment worth celebrating!

Step 6: Review and Finalize (October–December)

Estate planning isn’t a one-time task. Revisit your plan annually to ensure it still meets your goals.

  • Update beneficiaries: Confirm your beneficiaries are current on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other accounts.
  • Make adjustments: Life changes like births, deaths, or financial shifts may require updates to your plan.
  • Celebrate your achievement: Completing your estate plan is a significant accomplishment worth celebrating!

Let’s Plan Together


As a real estate agent who understands the unique needs of retirees and seniors, I’m here to help you make this journey as smooth as possible. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply organizing your property portfolio, I can provide the expert guidance you need.

Let’s make 2025 the year you achieve peace of mind by completing your estate planning. Reach out today to discuss how I can support you on this journey.

Why Choose a Specialist?

Choosing a Realtor with Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation gives you the specialized services that other realtors may not understand.  As a Realtor who specializes in downsizing,  I understand the intricacies of a double move. My expertise not only lies in helping you through each step of the process but also in anticipating and problem solving through any challenges that may arise. This process ensures that your double move is completes without hitches.