Estate Planning

Life is full of unknowns. Your wishes and plans don’t have to be.

Estate planning is often misunderstood as something only the wealthy need. But the truth is: it’s for everyone.

At Plan Forward Finance, we make estate planning approachable, affordable, and doable. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an old plan, we guide you through the process with clarity and care. You’ll protect your loved ones and feel confident your wishes are known.

What is estate planning?

Estate planning means making decisions in advance about your money, health, and responsibilities. It ensures that the right people can step in if something happens, and that your wishes are clearly documented to reduce stress and confusion for your loved ones.

Your estate includes everything you own, such as money, property, personal items, investments, digital assets, and family heirlooms.

*Don’t let legal jargon slow you down. Explore our simple estate planning glossary to make sense of the terms and feel more confident moving forward.

Who needs estate planning?

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or those later in life. You don’t need to be married, have children, or face health concerns to benefit from having a plan in place.

In fact, it can be especially important for people in non-traditional relationships or family structures. Without legal documents, state laws may not recognize unmarried partners, close friends, or chosen family the way you would want. A thoughtful plan lets you clearly name who should make decisions, who should receive your assets, and who should be involved in your care if something happens.

Estate planning is for anyone who wants to be clear about their wishes, ensure loved ones are cared for, and make important decisions ahead of time. Without a plan, those choices may be made by the courts or based on state law.

Taking the time to plan now helps your loved ones avoid confusion, stress, and costly legal hurdles during an already difficult time.

How we can help with your estate planning needs

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Plan Forward Finance, we help make the process clear, manageable, and tailored to your life.

Here’s what we do:

  • Clarify your wishes and help you make thoughtful, informed decisions

  • Explain your options in plain, approachable language

  • Guide you step-by-step through the entire process

  • Facilitate the creation of your documents through EncorEstates, a trusted platform with licensed attorneys

  • Provide support and education so you feel confident and in control

A well-crafted estate plan helps you:

  • Make sure your wishes are clearly documented and followed

  • Appoint trusted people to make financial, medical, and legal decisions if needed

  • Minimize unnecessary costs, delays, and court involvement

  • Reduce stress and burden on your loved ones

  • Gain peace of mind knowing everything is in place

Here's what we don’t do:

We don’t provide legal advice or draft legal documents ourselves. All legal documents are prepared and reviewed by attorneys through EncorEstates. For more complex needs, we’re happy to refer you to a qualified estate attorney.

Give and Protect

What's included in a basic estate plan?

Most plans cover five key areas:

  1. Beneficiaries: Who receives what

  2. Distribution method: How and when they receive it

  3. Power of attorney: Who handles finances or legal matters if you can’t

  4. Health care directive: Medical preferences and decision-makers

  5. Guardians: Who would care for your children

*See our estate planning glossary.

The Big 5 of Estate Planning

Depending on your situation, your estate plan may include:

  • Will or Trust: Outlines who will receive your assets and allows you to name guardians for minor children.

  • Financial Power of Attorney: Names someone you trust to handle your finances if you’re unable to.

  • Health Care Directive & HIPAA Authorization: Lets someone make medical decisions and access necessary records.

  • Guardianship Designations: Specifies who should care for your children if something happens.

  • Property Deeds: Helps ensure real estate is properly titled, especially when using a trust.

  • Business Assignments (if needed): Transfers business interests into your trust or to your heirs.

*Looking for plain-language definitions? Explore our estate planning glossary.

Is our estate planning service right for you?

Our estate planning services are designed for individuals and families with straightforward needs who:

  • Want kind, judgment-free support to finally get this done

  • Prefer a guided alternative to DIY tools or high legal fees

  • Are below the federal estate tax exemption ($13.99M per person in 2025)

  • Are not disinheriting a child or involved in estate litigation

  • Are making decisions freely and with full mental capacity

  • Are not making significant gifts to non-family caregivers

Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we’ll guide you through each step so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll walk away knowing your wishes are documented and your loved ones are protected.

We partner with EncorEstates, a trusted provider of attorney-prepared estate plan documents. Together, we ensure your plan will be:

  • Prepared by licensed attorneys

  • Tailored to your state’s laws

  • Reviewed for legal accuracy

  • Completed through a secure, easy-to-use online platform

Once submitted, your plan is typically ready within five business days. If you request attorney review, allow up to five additional days. Visual Estate Plan Summaries may take up to 10 business days.

Not sure if our estate planning service is right for you?

Schedule Your Free Initial Planning Meeting to ask questions and explore your options.

How our estate planning service works

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Plan Forward Finance, we make the process clear, manageable, and tailored to your life.

We’ll guide you through every step. From decision-making to signing documents, funding your trust, and updating your beneficiaries, we’re here to make sure nothing feels confusing or left unfinished.

Start with a Free Initial Planning Call

This 30-minute virtual meeting is your space to talk through what’s on your mind and see if we’re the right fit. We’ll listen, ask questions, and help you explore the best path forward. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you to other helpful resources.

If it makes sense to continue, here’s what comes next:

Step 1: The Plan Stage

We get to know your situation and priorities, then help you organize and clarify what matters most. Together, we’ll build a personalized roadmap.

Step 2: The Forward Stage

We walk through your plan with you, answer questions, and refine the details. You’ll receive a summary and a clear list of next steps.

Step 3: The Finance Stage

We take action together, one step at a time, to put your plan in place. This may include:

  • Completing your estate plan documents

  • Reviewing and approving final drafts

  • Funding your trust

  • Updating beneficiary designations

  • Confirming everything reflects your wishes

  • Ensuring all documents are signed and complete

By the end, your plan is in place and you can move forward with peace of mind.