By Stacy Kahan, RFC®

As a daughter, mother, soon-to-be grandmother, and insurance broker for almost 40 years, talking about the future planning of a family is clearly dependent upon the relationship that the family has. Most families, unfortunately, never come to understand that the demise of the family leader has not just monetary consequences but emotional as well, and very little is ever discussed about any planning that has been created and what it means.

We, as insurance brokers, come upon this objection early in our careers, understanding that people are uncomfortable talking about their death and the creation of proper planning with the language that tells your family and loved ones your final wishes. It’s hard to believe that 67% of people have no estate plan per a 2022 survey from caring.com. Even only 50% of people have a simple will. This is leaving your family open to confusion and ultimately misunderstandings.

In our society, we even see it with people who are famous. You would think that they have a team of people around them to make sure they do the right thing – proactively plan. What we know, through experience, is that people have an aversion to discussing this topic. Look at Diana, Princess of Wales, Aretha Franklin, and Prince to name only a few. If they could have faced their demise, someday, they could have done better. Done better by fulfilling the dreams they had and focusing on a legacy to those they love.

Discuss Early

Educating your family on inheritance and future planning allows them to make informed financial decisions throughout their lifetime. It also allows you to “teach” them about the importance of respecting and being responsible for the family’s well-being financially, spiritually, and emotionally.

I like to think of it as a trial period. This mentoring phase will show your beneficiaries what is expected of them to continue the tradition.

It’s a Teaching Moment

Often, families keep the financial picture a family secret. Personally, I have never understood why we are not teaching our children how to respect money. Fifty-five percent of people carry credit card debt in our country today which does not allow the building of wealth. This, in my opinion, is the most important lesson we need to follow and teach our children. Be wise about your spending.

At the beginning of my career, earning only $17,000 and $22,000 annually during my first two years as an agent, I knew I had to pay myself first. What does this mean? Put money into savings then, pay my bills. Well, we know this requires living below your means. Not a fun scenario for anyone BUT the most important lesson learned.

The Compound Effect of Money

The compound effect of money is an amazing phenomenon. Compounding is the process whereby interest is credited to an existing principal amount as well as to interest already paid.

Compounding thus can be construed as interest on interest – the effect of which is to magnify returns to interest over time, the so-om “miracle of compounding.”

Today, we are seeing young adults just making it. Living too high, accumulating credit card debt early, but wanting independence. We are seeing a trend in them getting smarter which helps in generational planning.

Mirroring Your Wishes in Everyday Life

It is often said that children “mirror what they see in front of them” which encompasses a broad range of personality traits, management of money, and how relationships are formed and grow. Your legacy is written through estate planning documents. It says how you want your legacy spoken to the people it impacts.

A positive impact on the next generation begins during the life of the grantor. Showing the family your wishes is always best displayed by how a life is led and ensuring that the beneficiaries, most often the children, understand how to fulfill those wishes.

An interesting book by Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns.

In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors. The implications of this research create a new awareness of how we can positively impact the earth and our personal health. So just imagine that showing and demonstrating your wishes through loving words and gestures can change the impact of your family dynamic.

Fulfilling your Dream with the Next Generation

These documents can be defined as a list of instructions to guide your loved ones as to how to manage your affairs if you are gone, or simply unable to manage them yourself. A properly drafted estate plan allows you to protect your property, your loved ones and yourself:

• Last Will and Testament governs the distribution of assets which are solely in your name, through a legal process known as probate.

• Living Trust lets you distribute your possessions to people and charities after you die. The assets inside of the trust are “owned” by the trust escaping probate at death.

• Durable Power of Attorney (POA) gives the authority for someone to manage your affairs while you are alive.

• Healthcare Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make medical decisions for you.

• Living Will specifies the desired medical care if you lose the ability to communicate. Finding the Right Estate Attorney An estate attorney creates the above documents to ensure your wishes are fulfilled. An estate lawyer can be especially helpful in identifying any weak points in your planning and help you make the best decisions for your estate when you are gone. Here are three reasons that you should consider hiring an estate lawyer:

1. Beneficiary Protection 2. Avoid Court 3. Reduce Family Conflict

You want someone who is asking lots of questions to challenge your current thought process and ensure your wishes are written down in your documents.

The Family Meeting

Having a family meeting is preferable when sharing your dreams with your family. I would imagine this is difficult for most families but has multiple positive effects. First, getting in front of any animosity reduces family conflict. And the planning effect. Your family can plan since they will know what to expect.

We sat in my parent’s house 20 years ago while my dad handed out binders labeled “Estate Plan.” Within this big black binder was a letter of his wishes and his estate planning documents. He explained what responsibility each of us would have in fulfilling his dreams when he was no longer here. He was not sick or injured when this happened. This was just good planning.

For more information on solutions for individuals, families and business owners, contact Alana. For more information on solutions for employers, contact Stacy.

The post How to Discuss Estate Planning with Loved Ones appeared first on 1706 Advisors.

1706 Advisors

BLOG AUTHORS


Stacy Kahan, CLU®, RFC®

Founder

Stacy is the Founder of 1706 Advisors and has led its growth and expansion for over thirty years.

She learned the business from the inside out from her father and went on to start her own…

BLOG AUTHORS


Stacy Kahan, CLU®, RFC®

Founder

Stacy is the Founder of 1706 Advisors and has led its growth and expansion for over thirty years.

She learned the business from the inside out from her father and went on to start her own firm, Lang Financial Group, in 1994. She grew Lang Financial Group (LFG) from a start-up to an established enterprise that has helped thousands of people and businesses protect what they care about. In 2019, she expanded the business even further by bringing in strategic human resource consulting. Stacy is known for her visionary leadership, passion for the business, and ability to solve any problem. She graduated from the Wisconsin School of Business with a degree in Risk & Insurance and Finance, and is a Chartered Life Underwriter at the Masters level. Stacy’s daughters are now leading the business into the future under its new moniker, 1706 Advisors.


Alana Kahan, RFC®

President

Alana is 1706 Advisors’ President, responsible for executing the strategic mission of the firm. She’s known for combining out-of-the-box thinking with operational expertise, creating the big picture vision of the business and then executing ideas to completion.

She leads all new business development, oversees client onboarding to ensure seamless interactions, and manages the firm’s team of experts, employees, and strategic partners. Alana takes a long-term view of client relationships, tailoring practical strategies for them as their needs change and grow, and empowering them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions today and in the future.


Cara Kahan, RFC®

Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer of 1706 Advisors, Cara is leading the third-generation business forward with a commitment to high-level, data-informed client experience.

She works closely with CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and HR directors to ensure their employee benefits and individual insurance programs have the right balance for their goals, work culture, and budget. Cara learned the business from her mother, Stacy Kahan, founder of Lang Financial Group, who learned the business from her father. Prior to her CEO role, Cara worked outside the firm as a banking Vice President, so she has a deep understanding of the business from the client side. She’s known for her commitment to protecting her clients’ bottom line while providing personalized client service. Cara earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder – Leeds School of Business, with a focus in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.