Are you ready for summer vacations? It’s fascinating how boarding a plane can often prompt reflections on life’s “what ifs.” Possibly, it’s the thought of being miles above the ground that does it, or maybe it’s the idea of stepping into the unknown. Interestingly, this moment of existential contemplation can be a perfect time for some unexpected yet important planning.
Most people (likely all) may not rank updating their wills up there with vacation highlights or adventure planning. However, as unlikely as it seems, the lead-up to a trip is an ideal reminder to review those all-important documents. Let’s face it; if you’re meticulous enough to plan your vacation outfits six months in advance or book reservations at all the best restaurants, why not add “Review Estate Plan” to your pre-trip checklist?
Our family is planning a glorious summer getaway, an upcoming trip to France, to celebrate my daughter’s graduation. I’m thrilled to introduce my husband and daughter to the European sights for the first time (and my first time in many years). Yet, this also serves as the perfect reminder to ensure all our affairs back home are in order, providing much-needed peace of mind.
Think about it: Many of us spend more time planning vacations than we do planning for our estate, yet both can incur comparable costs and are significant investments in our family’s future. Investing in a detailed and personalized (and updated) estate plan is similar to buying travel insurance: You hope you won’t need it, but it winds up being a blessing if you do!
This idea of blending trip planning with estate planning isn’t meant to dampen the summer vacation spirit but, instead, to enrich it. Knowing your home front is secure, you can truly relax and have fun on your vacations and trips.
As graduations roll around and you’re booking your getaways and long weekend plans, consider this: A well-planned estate is like ensuring your home can weather any storm. Just like we wouldn’t want our families to say we skimped on making memories, we wouldn’t want them caught unprepared for the inevitable parts of life, either.
So, as you jot down your next vacation checklist, why not add an estate review? After all, true relaxation on vacation comes from knowing you’ve left everything at home in order.