How do I get started with my estate strategy?

The idea of putting together an estate strategy may sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be. We can help you break the process into smaller pieces. The first steps are to identify where you are today and where you want to be.

Step 1: Where am I today?

Make a list of everything you own. Your Edward Jones financial advisor  can help you group your assets, and help you update beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, insurance policies and annuities.

Things to consider:

• Investment and retirement accounts (RRSPs, TFSAs, brokerage accounts)

• Cash or chequing/savings accounts

• Real estate

• Personal property (automobiles, boats, jewelry, artwork)

• Insurance policies or annuity contracts

• Current estate documents, such as:

       o Wills
       o Powers of attorney
       o Health care directives
       o Trusts
       o Prenuptial or Cohabitation agreement
       o Other related legal documents

Step 2: Where would I like to be?

Identify your goals. Your Edward Jones financial advisor can help you begin to answer these questions and prioritize what's most important to you. Don't be intimidated – this is just a conversation to help you get started.

• What do you want to leave to your heirs?

• Do you want to leave money to charity?

• Are efficiency and privacy important to you?

• Are you concerned about taxes?

• Do you have a minor child or a child with special needs?

• Do you have specific wishes or desires you would like to ensure happen if you were incapacitated or pass away?

• Who would you like to handle your affairs if you become unable to handle them for yourself?

Step 3: Work with your team of professionals

We believe an estate-strategy team provides a comprehensive and streamlined approach to developing a strategy that works for you. Each member of your team will have a different area of expertise:

• Your Edward Jones financial advisor helps you understand the process, identify and prioritize your goals and coordinate your estate-strategy team. He or she can also discuss how your investment and estate strategies can work together to form a comprehensive strategy based on your goals.

• Your estate-strategy lawyer reviews your estate-strategy options and drafts legal documents.

• Your tax professional advises you on the tax implications of your strategies.

How we can help

Ask your financial advisor today about how you can work together to begin creating your personal estate strategy.