Before the new year is rung in with champagne flutes and fireworks, take these last few days of December to reflect. What do you like about your life? What do you want to change? In years past maybe you set out with the best of intentions to do something different or new, but it fell by the wayside by mid-February. Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. But if you’re looking for a resolution or goal (or whatever you want to call it) that you can actually “keep” I have just the suggestion—make an estate plan.

Like your more average resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, be nicer, the resolution to create an estate plan can sound daunting at first, but estate planning is actually one of the best goals you can make. Here are a few of the many reasons why:

Estate planning is actually achievable.

The best goals are actionable, realistic, and sustainable. Estate planning is all of those things. With tools like a free estate plan questionnaire, this description of different documents that comprise an estate plan, and the useful checklist, you have the useful tools at your fingertips to reasonably achieve this goal without having to go to too much trouble. Plus, achieving a goal of executing an estate plan can give you a beneficial confidence boost that can inspire you to accomplish other resolutions.

You don’t have to go it alone.

Enlist an experienced attorney who can help guide your estate planning experience from start to finish and tailor your documents to strategically meet your needs and wishes for the future. Sure, you could try to go it alone, and use some sort of messy (potentially inaccurate) DIY documents off the internet. But, why would you potentially threaten the validity of this important set of legal documents when you can bring in an expert who will help you best achieve your wishes? Think, if you were serious about getting in shape, you may hire a personal trainer or wellness coach…an estate planner is like that.

Estate planning is a resolution that can relieve stress!

Many new year’s resolutions also come with a dose of stress. Changing habits can be stressful. Something like a diet can make you crabby. Estate planning is one of the few (if only) resolutions I can think of that gives you both peace of mind and relieves future stress your loved ones. If you pass away or are incapacitated without certain documents (like health care and financial powers of attorney in place) it makes things incredibly difficult, confusing, and stressful for your family members. For most folks, that’s the last thing they want for their loved ones when they’ll already be having a tough/grieving time. Basically completing estate planning is the gift that keeps on giving!

Want to get a head start on making this new year your best year yet? You don’t have to wait for the ball to drop! Start in on this free, no-obligation estate plan questionnaire or contact me to discuss your situation.