Last Friday night, our team traded our office chairs for stadium seats at the Angels game. Between the cheering, the seventh-inning stretch, and enjoying time together as a team, one thought kept coming back to us:
Winning takes a lineup. And so does protecting your legacy.
In baseball, you can’t rely on a single player to carry the whole team. Every position has a role, and success comes when they work together under a game plan. Estate planning is no different.
Many people think a will—or worse, a DIY “trust in 30 minutes”—is enough. The truth? A real plan is a lineup that covers every inning.
Why One Document Alone Isn’t Enough
- A will only takes effect after you pass; it doesn’t help during incapacity.
- A trust may cover only certain assets unless it’s properly funded and coordinated with beneficiary designations.
- Durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives protect you now—ensuring someone you trust can step in if you can’t make decisions.
The Strategy That Wins
A strong estate plan isn’t about documents—it’s about coordination:
- Coordinate: will, trust, POA, health directives, beneficiary designations, and property titles.
- Protect: reduce court delays, minimize taxes where possible, and give clear instructions.
- Evolve: review and adjust after life changes—marriages, children, moves, new assets—so your plan stays game-ready.
Risks of an Incomplete Plan
- Probate delays and added costs
- Family disputes over unclear or missing instructions
- Court-driven decisions instead of your wishes
- Loss of control during incapacity
Coach’s Checklist: Is Your Lineup Complete?
- ✅ Revocable Living Trust and proper funding
- ✅ Will (pour-over if using a trust)
- ✅ Durable Financial Power of Attorney
- ✅ Advance Health Care Directive + HIPAA release
- ✅ Beneficiary designations reviewed and aligned
- ✅ Real-property title reviewed (and updated if needed)
- ✅ Calendar for reviews after life changes
Take Action
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance—or to a 30-minute online form. Estate planning is a strategy, not a stack of paperwork.
Schedule a Free Discovery Call today to review your plan and make sure every piece works together to protect what matters most.