Creating an estate plan isn’t about focusing on the end. It’s about building peace of mind and protecting the people and causes you care about. Yet many people put it off because they don’t know where to start—or what to consider.
At Kehoe Financial Advisors, we help individuals and families build estate plans that reflect their values, secure their legacy, and reduce confusion for loved ones. Here’s what to think about as you create or review your estate plan.
Clarify What You Want to Accomplish
Before you get into the documents, take a step back. Ask yourself:
Who do I want to provide for?
What values or causes do I want my estate to support?
What problems am I trying to solve (e.g., minimize taxes, avoid probate, provide for minor children)?
Your estate plan is more than paperwork—it’s a tool to carry out your priorities.
Create or Update Your Will
Your will outlines how your assets should be distributed and who should carry out your wishes. A will helps ensure your intentions are followed. Without one, state laws determine what happens, which may not align with your preferences.
Consider:
Who should receive specific assets?
Who will serve as executor?
Who will care for minor children?
Consider a Trust
A revocable living trust can help you:
Avoid probate
Keep your affairs private
Manage assets if you become incapacitated
Trusts are especially valuable if you have complex family dynamics, own property in multiple states, or want more control over how assets are distributed.
Name Trusted Decision-Makers
Every estate plan should include:
A financial power of attorney to handle financial matters if you’re unable
A healthcare power of attorney to make medical decisions if needed
A living will to document your wishes for end-of-life care
Choose people who are willing, able, and trustworthy.
Review Beneficiary Designations
Some assets, like retirement accounts and life insurance, pass outside of your will. Make sure your beneficiary designations are:
Up to date
Consistent with the rest of your plan
Aligned with your goals
We often find these are outdated—don’t let that happen.
Plan for Taxes and Expenses
A well-designed estate plan can:
Minimize estate and inheritance taxes
Ensure liquidity to cover final expenses and debts
Prevent financial stress for your loved ones
We help you structure your assets so more of what you’ve built goes to the people and causes you care about.
Address Digital Assets
Your estate plan should cover:
Online financial accounts
Social media profiles
Digital photos and documents
Provide instructions and access so your digital footprint is handled the way you intend.
Keep It Updated
Life changes. Your estate plan should too.
Review your plan after:
A marriage or divorce
The birth or adoption of a child
A major purchase or inheritance
A move to a new state
How Kehoe Financial Advisors Can Help
We’re not attorneys—but we are your guide in making sure your financial life and estate plan work together. We help you:
Organize your assets for estate planning
Coordinate with your attorney and CPA
Keep your plan aligned with your evolving goals
Start Your Estate Planning Conversation
📞 Call (513) 481-8555 to schedule a consultation.
🖥️ Visitwww.kehoe-financial.com to learn how we help protect your legacy.
Your estate plan should do more than distribute your assets. It should tell your story and protect the people you love.
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