October is Estate Planning Awareness Month: Why Planning Ahead Matters
Every October, Estate Planning Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of something many people put off—making a clear plan for the future. While estate planning may feel overwhelming or like something to deal with “later,” it is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your legacy.
Why Estate Planning Awareness Month Exists
The American Bar Association established Estate Planning Awareness Month to bring attention to the fact that over half of adults in the United States do not have an estate plan. That means millions of families are left vulnerable to unnecessary costs, delays, and stress when a loved one passes away or becomes incapacitated.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is more than just creating a will. It is about making thoughtful decisions and putting legal tools in place to:
Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes
Minimize the stress and cost of probate for your family
Protect loved ones with special needs or unique circumstances
Appoint trusted people to make financial or healthcare decisions if you cannot
Preserve and pass on not only wealth, but also values, stories, and family traditions
Why October is the Perfect Time to Plan
Fall naturally feels like a season of preparation—getting homes ready for the colder months, organizing finances before the holidays, and setting goals before the new year. Estate Planning Awareness Month provides the perfect opportunity to check in on your estate plan. Ask yourself:
Do I have a will or trust in place?
Are my beneficiary designations up to date?
Have I named a healthcare agent and financial power of attorney?
Does my plan reflect my current wishes, family situation, and state laws?
Taking the Next Step
If you already have an estate plan, October is a great time to review it. Life events like marriages, divorces, births, deaths, or changes in financial circumstances can make an older plan outdated. If you do not yet have a plan, this is the month to take the first step.
Estate planning is about peace of mind. It ensures that your wishes are respected, and your loved ones are cared for, no matter what the future brings.
