We Do NOT Care...If You're Ready to Talk About Estate Planning: Estate Planning for the 'IDGAF' Woman

Ladies, let's be real. How many times have you brought up an important topic for discussion with your mate only to be told, “I’m not ready” or, “Let’s talk about it later.”  This post is for the woman not waiting for anyone to give her permission to secure her future and the future of her loved ones. The woman who's ready to take charge, even if she has to drag her significant other along kicking and screaming (metaphorically, of course...mostly).

The Myth of "Waiting for Him"

Let's bust this myth right now. You do NOT need your mate's blessing, permission, or even participation to create your own estate plan. Yes, ideally, you'd both be on board and working together. But life isn't always ideal. Maybe he's dragging his feet. Maybe he’s got other priorities (what’s more important than protecting your family?) Maybe he doesn’t know what to do and doesn’t want you to know that.  Whatever the reason, his inaction doesn't have to hold you back.

Why You Need a Basic Plan, Like, Yesterday

Estate planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy or the elderly. It's for anyone who owns anything and cares about what happens to it (and their loved ones) after they're gone. Here's a quick rundown of why you, the independent, "IDGAF" woman, needs a basic estate plan.

Your Assets, Your Plan

Over the next two decades, an estimated $105 trillion in wealth is expected to change hands in what financial experts call the Great Wealth Transfer - the largest movement of wealth from one generation to the next in history. This transfer is unique not only because of its size, but also because women are positioned to control the majority of this wealth. Whether you've built a business from the ground up, invested wisely, or simply accumulated a lifetime of savings, an estate plan ensures your assets go where you want them to go. Not where your spouse or the state decides they should.

Guardianship for Minor Children

If you have young kids, this is non-negotiable. A will designates who will care for your children if something happens to you. Don't leave this decision to a judge who doesn't know your family.

Blended Families

People who are in a second marriage can face complex estate planning challenges. The individuals usually bring their own assets into the marriage. They may also have children from prior marriages whose inheritances they wish to protect. Sometimes the residence that one spouse owns is becomes the new marital home, presenting another potential complication.  Many “blended families” truly blend, but tension between adult stepchildren and a parent’s new spouse is not uncommon. Without good planning, the tensions worsen or emerge for the first time following the death of a parent. Some tensions erupt into lawsuits. If you are like most people, you probably want to promote family harmony, protect your children, and provide for your spouse if you are the first to pass away. Many of the planning techniques that work well in first marriages are inappropriate for remarriages.

Your Digital Legacy

What will happen to your social media accounts (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) page when you're gone? How about the personal emails you've sent and received? Online photo albums? The files on your laptop? Your PayPal or Venmo accounts? Nowadays, our 'real' and digital experiences are so intertwined that it's important to plan for what happens to your online "paper trail." Making an inventory of and creating your digital estate plan (think of it as a will for your digital assets) will relieve your family members and loved ones from the added stress that arises after a death.

Sudden Health Crisis

Who makes medical decisions for you if you can't? Who pays your bills and handles your finances?  Estate planning isn’t just about what happens with your stuff after you die.  It’s also about taking care of you when a crisis knocks at the door.  A financial and healthcare power of attorney lets you name someone you trust to handle your finances and advocate for your wishes.

Okay, I'm In. Now What?

Here's the good news: getting started doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some initial steps:

1. Take Inventory

Make a list of your assets (bank accounts, investments, property, etc.).

2. Consider Your Beneficiaries

Who do you want to inherit your assets? (Spouse, children, other family members, charities?)

3. Find an Attorney

Yes, you can find templates online, but a qualified estate planning attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the law and create a plan tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced estate and elder law attorneys at Fiffik Law Group are ready to help you take charge.

Take Charge, Plan Ahead, Worry Less

Look, life is unpredictable. You can't control everything, but you can control how prepared you are. So, ditch the outdated expectations, embrace your inner "IDGAF" attitude, and get your estate plan in order. Your future self will thank you.