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Why You Should Have an Estate Plan
Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy or those with large properties—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you own a home, a car, a bank account, or even meaningful personal items, you already have an estate. Creating a plan for how those things are handled is one of the kindest, most thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones.
An estate plan is more than just legal documents—it’s a way to ease the burden on your family and ensure your wishes are carried out with love and clarity. It offers peace of mind, knowing the people you care about will be taken care of when you’re no longer here to do it yourself.
With an estate plan:
An estate plan is more than just legal documents—it’s a way to ease the burden on your family and ensure your wishes are carried out with love and clarity. It offers peace of mind, knowing the people you care about will be taken care of when you’re no longer here to do it yourself.
With an estate plan:
- You choose who will receive your assets and keepsakes.
- You can include strategies that may help your estate avoid probate, saving your family time and stress.
- You can document your healthcare wishes through an advance care directive, giving your loved ones clear guidance and peace of mind.
4 Essential Tools for Peace of Mind in Estate Planning
These four tools are the heart of a thoughtful estate plan. Together, they help make sure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is carried out just the way you intend.
Create a Will
A will is a cornerstone of any estate plan—it’s your voice in guiding what happens after you’re gone. This legal document allows you to name the people you trust to manage your estate and ensure your property is distributed according to your wishes.
With a will, you can also nominate a guardian to care for your minor children and include special instructions for their upbringing. Many people use their wills to express personal wishes, such as preferences for a memorial service, burial arrangements, or how treasured keepsakes and family heirlooms should be passed down.
With a will, you can also nominate a guardian to care for your minor children and include special instructions for their upbringing. Many people use their wills to express personal wishes, such as preferences for a memorial service, burial arrangements, or how treasured keepsakes and family heirlooms should be passed down.
Establish a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a written document that identifies who will make financial, legal and tax decisions on your behalf should you be unable to make them yourself.
Generally, a power of attorney is established while you are legally competent. All rights to act under a power of attorney end at the time of your death. Without a power of attorney document, the court may have to appoint a conservatorship or guardian if you are unable to do so yourself.
Generally, a power of attorney is established while you are legally competent. All rights to act under a power of attorney end at the time of your death. Without a power of attorney document, the court may have to appoint a conservatorship or guardian if you are unable to do so yourself.
Enact a living will
A living will, also known as an advanced care directive, communicates your medical treatment preferences in situations when you may not be capable of making your own care decisions. It tells your family and health care professionals how far you want your treatment to go, should you become seriously ill.
Design a Trust
A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to manage your property and assets both during your lifetime and after your passing. Trusts can also help your estate avoid the often lengthy and costly probate process.
There are various types of trusts, each offering different ways to protect and distribute your assets. Because trusts can be complex and have significant implications for your estate plan, it’s important to work with an attorney. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process to ensure your trust aligns with your goals and provides the protection and control you intend.
There are various types of trusts, each offering different ways to protect and distribute your assets. Because trusts can be complex and have significant implications for your estate plan, it’s important to work with an attorney. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process to ensure your trust aligns with your goals and provides the protection and control you intend.
Get Your Will & Estate Planning Guide
This workbook-style guide walks you through the early steps of creating your will and setting up an estate plan. With fill-in-the-blank forms, answers to commonly asked questions and a glossary of terms, our 46-page guide can be used to help start the conversation with your estate planning professional. Choose how you would like to receive your copy.
Printed Version
(Mailed to You)
Prefer a physical copy? Please contact our Client Services Center at
800-847-4836 and say "Fraternal" at the prompt. We’ll mail you a 46-page bound guide to your address - please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
800-847-4836 and say "Fraternal" at the prompt. We’ll mail you a 46-page bound guide to your address - please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Digital Version
(Download Now)
Prefer instant access? Simply fill in your contact information below , and you’ll be redirected to download the guide right away.
Printed Version
(Mailed to You)
Prefer a physical copy? Please contact our Client Services Center at
800-847-4836 and say "Fraternal" at the prompt. We’ll mail you a 46-page bound guide to your address - please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
800-847-4836 and say "Fraternal" at the prompt. We’ll mail you a 46-page bound guide to your address - please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Digital Version
(Download Now)
Prefer instant access? Simply fill in your contact information below , and you’ll be redirected to download the guide right away.
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You should never purchase or keep insurance or annuity products to be eligible for nonguaranteed membership benefits. You should only purchase and keep insurance and annuity products that best meet the financial security needs of your and your family. Consider the cost, features, and benefits of specific insurance and/or annuity products.
Member benefits and programs are not guaranteed contractual benefits. The interpretation of the provisions of these benefits and programs is at the sole discretion of Thrivent. Membership benefits are reviewed and evaluated regularly. Thrivent reserves the right to change, modify, discontinue, or refuse to provide any of the membership benefits or any part of them, at any time.
You should never purchase or keep insurance or annuity products to be eligible for nonguaranteed membership benefits. You should only purchase and keep insurance and annuity products that best meet the financial security needs of your and your family. Consider the cost, features, and benefits of specific insurance and/or annuity products.
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