Skip to main content
 
Created: August 29, 2020
Modified: May 14, 2024

4 Important Documents You Need in Retirement

Joel Johnson, CFP® and Kara Sundlun discuss estate planning and how it fits into retirement planning on this weekend’s segment of Better Money on WFSB Channel 3.

A lot of people will put off estate planning because they do not want to think about the end of their life or leaving their loved ones behind. However, establishing a plan will take some of the weight off your family’s shoulders when you pass away. There are 4 estate planning documents you should have:

Will

More than 50% of American adults do not have a will. If you pass away without one, the state you live in has one prepared for you and your money will most likely not be used how you want it to be.

Having your own will allows you to be in control of your assets, your money, and where your children will go if they are minors.

Power of Attorney

If you are injured or in the hospital, you can appoint someone to be your Power of Attorney.

Most of the time, it is the person’s spouse, and they can sign documents and trigger transactions on their behalf.

Health Care Directive

If you are unable to make decisions due to your health, the person you appointed can make decisions for you. You can include specific instructions such as deciding to do a surgery, a do-not-resuscitate order, and more.

Information Document

This is not a legal document, but it is a good way to communicate your wishes to your family should you pass away.

This document can consist of information like your passwords, bank account information, and your final wishes.

Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.

Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.

Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.

Resources by Topic
Share

Related Resources

  • Today’s Retirement Reality

    Almost one-third of Americans lack confidence that they will have enough income to cover basic monthly expenses throughout retirement. As the economic landscape continues to shift, more individual…
  • How to Prepare for Taxes in Retirement

    No matter how well you’ve saved for retirement, taxes are an unavoidable part of the process. The good news is that with the proper tax planning, you can minimize this burden and keep more of what…
  • What Are Some Unexpected Retirement Expenses to Look Out For?

    Today’s question is one we help our clients navigate all the time: What expenses might I be responsible for as I enter retirement? Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® joins this week’s Money Wisdom Qu…
  • Essential Steps for a Robust Estate Plan

    When planning for retirement, one crucial element that often gets overlooked is estate planning. Creating an estate plan can ensure that your assets, legacy, and loved ones are protected. While es…
  • How Can I Generate Low-Tax or Tax-Free Retirement Income?

    Today’s question is: What steps can I take to generate low-tax or tax-free income in retirement? First and foremost, it’s essential to have a tax plan – one that fits within the context of your…
  • Will I Have Enough Income to Retire?

    Once you’ve reached the retirement mountaintop, you may be uncertain about how to navigate the descent. Have you saved enough? Will your money last as long as you do? If you’re like most of the pe…
  • Preparing for Retirement? Have a Plan for Taxes

    Effective tax planning requires a proactive approach for today’s pre-retirees, as neglecting this crucial step can result in a significant tax bill later on. To help minimize your overall tax burd…
  • Answers to Key Social Security Questions

    The decisions you make about Social Security can have lasting implications, which is why it’s important to get your questions answered sooner rather than later. If you’re unsure about how to maxim…
  • The Right Order to Build Your Financial House

    You wouldn’t design a house that leaves you exposed to outside elements, so why do the same when building your financial house? A well-constructed house first and foremost needs a strong foundatio…
  • Identity Theft: What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen

    In the digital age, the threat of identity theft is at an all-time high. Sophisticated cybercrime tactics and schemes have left us more vulnerable to online scams than ever before. So, what can…
    Back to top
    Our Locations
    Johnson Brunetti
    Welcome to Our New Website!
    Everything was designed with you in mind, making our retirement planning resources more easily accessible to you.
    Check out your new resource center, where everything can be organized by article type or topic
    Are you ready to speak with a financial advisor?
    Skip to content