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Spring is a time for fresh starts—and that includes your estate plan. While many people focus on drafting a will or trust, estate planning isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Without proper asset alignment, even the most carefully designed plan can lead to unnecessary complications, delays, and unintended outcomes.
Through our Generations program and GENAlign, we help ensure that your assets are structured correctly, beneficiary designations are up to date, and your plan works exactly as intended when your family needs it most.
Why Asset Alignment Is Essential
Your estate plan is only as effective as the assets it includes. Misalignment can lead to probate complications, unnecessary taxes, and financial stress for your loved ones. Keeping your plan up to date ensures:
- Your accounts, investments, and real estate are titled correctly
- Your beneficiary designations reflect your current wishes
- Your trust is funded properly, avoiding probate delays
- Your family can access assets smoothly, without unexpected legal hurdles
💡 Jade’s Tip: “We always ask our clients or their advisors for confirmations of asset alignment directly from the institutions themselves so that we have irrefutable proof that the necessary changes were made to the accounts.”
What Life Changes Mean for Your Estate Plan
Your assets evolve over time, and without regular updates, misalignment can occur. Here are some key triggers that should prompt a review of your estate plan:
- Changed Jobs? Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and investment accounts often need to be rolled over or retitled when you switch employers.
- Purchased a Home? A new property should be aligned with your estate plan to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transition.
- New Family Members? Whether you’re welcoming a child or updating beneficiary designations after a marriage, your estate plan should reflect these milestones.
- Bank or Financial Institution Merged? Name changes, account number updates, and system shifts can cause beneficiary designations to be lost.
💡 Jade’s Tip: “When financial institutions merge or change names, they may issue new account numbers or make updates that unintentionally affect your estate plan. Keeping us informed ensures we can verify everything remains aligned.”
How GENAlign Keeps Your Estate Plan on Track
As part of the Generations program, GENAlign ensures that your estate plan stays up to date. We work directly with financial institutions to:
- Verify and update titles and beneficiary designations
- Ensure assets remain aligned with your estate plan
- Proactively track changes that could impact your plan
💡 Jade’s Tip: “Some estate planning strategies that were effective five years ago are no longer the best approach today. For example, the SECURE Act changed how inherited IRAs are handled, meaning prior recommendations may need updates to reflect the latest best practices.”
Time for a Spring Estate Planning Review?
Just like spring cleaning your home, your estate plan deserves a refresh. If it’s been a while since your last review, now is the perfect time to check in.
Schedule your estate plan review today. Call (781) 246-8200 to ensure your assets stay aligned and your plan remains efficient.
Your estate plan should evolve with you—let’s make sure it’s ready for whatever comes next.
