Yesterday, I lost a dear friend unexpectedly. It was a sobering reminder that tomorrow truly isn’t promised — and that the things we put off for “later” often matter the most today.
Too often, I hear clients say they plan to set up a living trust. It’s always on the list, but somehow it lingers, unchecked. And I’ll be honest — I’m not exempt either. As a newly married woman and a mama, I felt this reminder deeply: I owe it to my family to have my affairs in order.
Your home isn’t just walls and a roof. It’s your sanctuary, your family’s safety net, and often your biggest financial asset. Which is exactly why it deserves the protection of a living trust.
Here are three powerful reasons why:
🛟 Spare Your Loved Ones from Probate
Without a living trust, your home (and other assets like bank accounts or investments) could get tied up in probate — a lengthy, expensive court process. Probate can drag on for months or even years, piling legal fees on top of grief. A living trust bypasses that, ensuring your assets pass smoothly and quickly to the people you love.
🔐 Protect Your Privacy
Probate is public. That means your assets, debts, and even who inherits what becomes part of the public record. A living trust keeps your family’s financial matters private and secure, shielding them from unnecessary exposure during an already difficult time.
🧘🏽♀️ Provide Clarity & Peace of Mind
When emotions run high, uncertainty can cause conflict. A living trust lays out your wishes clearly, offering guidance and peace of mind to your loved ones. It’s one less burden for them to carry, and one more way to leave love and clarity behind.
If this hits home, let it be the gentle nudge to move “someday” into today. Setting up or updating your living trust is one of the most caring and powerful gifts you can give your family.
And if you don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. I’d be happy to connect you with trusted estate planning professionals who can walk you through the process.
Tomorrow isn’t promised. Protecting your legacy can start today.