You're still in your twenties, thirties, or forties. You’re healthy, have a young family, and just starting to put enough money away for retirement. You may be tempted to think, “I don’t really need an estate plan right now. Leave that for the older folks who are nearing retirement and have a lot of savings.” Perhaps these tips will encourage you to think again.

Young or old, it is important to lay a solid estate planning foundation for your family. Young families with children should have an estate plan for several important reasons. While it may seem like a topic more relevant to older individuals, estate planning is actually crucial for anyone who wants to ensure the well-being of their loved ones and leave a Christ-honoring legacy. Here are five good reasons why all families should start their estate plans right now:

• Protecting and providing for your children: As parents, one of our primary concerns is the welfare of our children. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Through an estate plan, you can designate guardians for your children, ensuring they will be cared for by someone you trust in the event of your untimely passing. Without a nomination of guardianship, parents are essentially leaving the care of their children in the hands of the government. Additionally, an estate plan allows you to establish trusts or designate beneficiaries for your assets, ensuring that your children’s financial needs are met even if you are no longer there to provide for them.
• Expressing your values and beliefs: As Christians, our faith and values shape every aspect of our lives, including how we want our children to be raised. Through an estate plan, you can explicitly express your desires regarding the religious upbringing and education of your children. This provides a framework for those who will step in to care for your children, ensuring that your faith and values continue to be passed down through the generations.
• Minimizing conflict and stress: The loss of a parent is already an emotionally challenging time for children. By having a well-thought-out estate plan in place, you can minimize potential conflicts and disputes among family members regarding the distribution of assets or guardianship. This ensures that your children can focus on healing and adjusting to their new circumstances without unnecessary added stress.
• Leaving a legacy of love and stewardship: As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and blessings entrusted to us by God. An estate plan allows you to thoughtfully distribute your assets to reflect your values and leave a lasting legacy of love. You can support charitable causes, churches, or organizations that align with your faith and values, allowing your resources to continue making a positive impact even after you are gone.
• Planning for unexpected events: While we may hope for long and healthy lives, unexpected events can occur at any age. Having an estate plan in place ensures that your wishes are known and that your loved ones are provided for in case of incapacitation or sudden death. It provides a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that you have taken steps to protect your family’s future.

In the end, all families, regardless of their status, should have an estate plan to protect their loved ones, express their values, minimize conflicts, leave a legacy, and plan for unexpected events. By engaging in estate planning, you can ensure that your children are cared for, your faith is passed down, and your assets are used to resource the Great Commission.

If you need assistance with your estate plan and want to leave a gift to your church or other Kingdom causes, call and request a free consultation today. Call (909) 738-4000 or go to www.bfcal.org/estateplanning.