Most people think updating their estate plan means revising their will or trust.

But there's one document that often gets overlooked—and in many cases, it's the one that determines where some of your largest assets actually go.

Your bank, insurance, and other financial accounts beneficiary designations are separate from your will or trust and need to reflect your wishes.

If it's been years since you last reviewed them, or you can't remember who you named, you're not alone. Yet taking just a few minutes to review your beneficiaries could save your loved ones significant stress, delays, and unintended consequences down the road.

What Is a Beneficiary Designation?

A beneficiary designation tells a financial institution who should receive a particular asset when you pass away.

These are commonly attached to:

• Life insurance policies

• 401(k)s and IRAs

• Pension plans

• Investment accounts

• Payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts

• Transfer-on-death (TOD) brokerage accounts

These assets typically pass directly to the named beneficiary regardless of what you’ve indicated in your will or trust. 

That’s The Part That Surprises Most People

Many people spend hours creating a will, assuming it controls everything they own.

It doesn't.

Beneficiary designations are separate legal instructions attached directly to specific financial accounts. Rather than passing through your will, these assets typically transfer directly to the person you've named on the account.

That means if your retirement account, life insurance policy, or payable-on-death bank account still lists an ex-spouse from years ago, updating your will alone may not change who inherits those assets. In many cases, the financial institution is legally required to follow the beneficiary designation on file.

That's why reviewing your beneficiaries is one of the simplest—and most important—parts of keeping your estate plan up to date. 

Your estate plan is only as accurate as your beneficiary designations.

When Should You Review Your Beneficiaries?

A good rule of thumb is to review your beneficiary designations every three to five years. 

You should also update them after any major life event, including:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Birth or adoption of a child

• Death of a beneficiary

• Retirement

• Significant changes in your financial or personal situation

The same review suggestions apply to your estate plan (will, trust, healthcare directive, power of attorney, etc.) so why not bundle them? The next time you update your documents, set a reminder for when you’ll be due again. 

Even if nothing has changed, reviewing your designations regularly helps ensure they still reflect your wishes.

Common Misconceptions

By now, you know that beneficiary designations are separate from your will or trust, should be reviewed after major life events, and shouldn't be forgotten on old accounts or policies.

There are a few other mistakes people commonly make that can create unnecessary complications for their loved ones.

They Don't Name Backup Beneficiaries

What happens if your primary beneficiary passes away before you or is unable to inherit your assets?

Naming a contingent (or secondary) beneficiary provides another layer of protection and can help avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

They Don't Tell Anyone

Your loved ones can't claim benefits they don't know exist.

While you don't need to share every detail of your finances, it's a good idea to let a trusted family member, executor, or estate representative know where important accounts are held and where they can find the documents they'll need.

They Don't Secure Their Important Documents

Keeping your beneficiary designations up to date is only part of the process.

Your loved ones will still need access to your estate planning documents, financial information, healthcare directives, and other important records when the time comes.

Storing everything in one secure location—such as GoodTrust's Digital Vault—can make settling your affairs much simpler and spare your family from searching through filing cabinets, email inboxes, or forgotten online accounts during an already difficult time.

Beneficiaries Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Reviewing your beneficiary designations is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your estate plan, but it's only one part of protecting your legacy.

A complete estate plan may also include:

• A Last Will and Testament

• A Revocable Living Trust

• Durable Financial Power of Attorney

• Advance Healthcare Directive

• Funeral and end-of-life wishes

• A Digital Vault

The more organized your plan is today, the easier it will be for your loved ones tomorrow.

Take Five Minutes Today

Estate planning isn't just about creating documents once and forgetting about them.

Life changes.

Families grow.

Relationships evolve.

Your estate plan should evolve too.

If you can't remember the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designations, today is a great day to check. A few minutes now could help ensure your assets go exactly where you intend—and spare your family unnecessary confusion later.

Most people have a will for their home, their savings, or their personal belongings.

But what about everything that exists online?

Your photos. Your email. Your social media accounts. Your cloud storage. Your online subscriptions. Your cryptocurrency. Your digital documents. In our modern world, we all have about 100 online accounts on average. 

For many families, these digital assets become an unexpected challenge after someone dies—not because they're particularly valuable financially, but because no one knows what to do with them.

Your Digital Life Doesn't End Automatically

Many people assume that online accounts simply disappear after someone passes away. In reality, every platform has its own policies.

Some accounts remain active indefinitely. Others can be memorialized. Some may eventually be deleted after long periods of inactivity. In many cases, loved ones must navigate complicated verification processes before any action can be taken.

That means important memories can become difficult to access, while inactive accounts continue existing online for years.

Your Digital Legacy Is Bigger Than Social Media

When people think about digital legacy planning, they often think about Facebook.

But your digital footprint is much broader.

It may include:

• Family photos stored in cloud services

• Email accounts containing important records

• Online banking and investment accounts

• Subscription services that continue billing

• Loyalty points and rewards programs

• Personal websites or blogs

• Business files and intellectual property

• Cryptocurrency and digital wallets

• Password managers

• Important legal and financial documents

Without a plan, locating and managing these assets can become incredibly time-consuming for loved ones.

Every Platform Has Different Rules

One of the biggest misconceptions about digital assets is that family members automatically gain access to your online accounts after you die.

They don't.

Every platform has its own policies, timelines, and requirements—and unless you've made decisions in advance, those policies will determine what happens to your digital life.

For example:

• Facebook allows you to designate a Legacy Contact who can manage certain aspects of your memorialized account after your death. If you don't choose one, your loved ones have fewer options for managing your profile. You can also choose to have your account permanently deleted instead of memorialized.

• Apple allows you to add Legacy Contacts who can request access to much of your Apple Account and iCloud data after your death using a special access key and proof of death.

• Google offers Inactive Account Manager, which lets you decide what happens if your account goes unused for a period of time. You can choose trusted contacts to receive specific data, send a final message, or have your account automatically deleted.

• LinkedIn allows immediate family members or authorized representatives to request that a deceased member's account be closed, but there is no option to designate someone in advance to manage your account.

• Instagram, like Facebook, allows accounts to be memorialized or removed after death, but memorialized accounts cannot be managed by a family member.

These features are helpful, but they only work if you know they exist and take the time to set them up.

Even then, they only cover that one platform.

Your online banking, subscriptions, password manager, cryptocurrency, digital documents, loyalty programs, and countless other accounts all have their own policies—if they have a process at all.

Leaving each company to decide what happens to your digital life isn't much of a plan.

Digital Estate Planning Gives You Control

Instead of forcing your family to guess what you wanted—or navigate dozens of different company policies—you can make those decisions now.

A digital estate plan allows you to decide:

• Which accounts should be deleted

• Which memories should be preserved

• Who should have access to important files

• Where passwords and account information are securely stored

• How your digital assets fit into your broader estate plan

Rather than relying on each platform's individual settings, you create one centralized plan that makes your wishes clear.

The GoodTrust Digital Vault makes it easy to add online accounts alongside what you’d like to happen with them and designate trusted contacts with whom to share that valuable information with. 

Make Life Easier For The People You Love

The best estate plans don't just distribute assets—they reduce stress.

When families lose someone, they're already navigating grief, funeral arrangements, financial responsibilities, and legal paperwork. Spending weeks trying to recover family photos, cancel subscriptions, locate passwords, or contact dozens of technology companies only adds to that burden.

A simple digital legacy plan can spare loved ones countless hours of frustration while helping preserve the memories that matter most.

Your Legacy Lives Online Too

Today, some of our most meaningful memories exist only in digital form.

The photos your family treasures.

The messages you've saved.

The documents you've spent years creating.

The stories you've shared.

Estate planning isn't just about protecting what you own—it's about protecting your entire legacy.

Don't leave Facebook, Google, Apple, or any other technology company to decide what happens after you're gone.

Make those decisions yourself, and give your loved ones one less thing to worry about.

Get started with your GoodTrust Digital Vault today, here.

The Great Wealth Transfer Is Coming. Here's Why So Much Wealth Never Reaches The Next Generation.

Over the next two decades, experts estimate that more than $80 trillion will change hands as Baby Boomers pass wealth to their children and grandchildren. It's being called The Great Wealth Transfer, one of the largest transfers of wealth in history.

It sounds simple enough: parents save, children inherit.

But for many families, that's not what happens.

Before an inheritance ever reaches the next generation, it can be reduced—or even derailed—by medical expenses, probate, taxes, legal fees, family disagreements, and one surprisingly common problem: not having an estate plan.

The wealth exists.

The plan to protect it often doesn't.

Long-Term Care Can Quietly Drain An Estate

Many people underestimate the cost of aging.

Whether it's assisted living, nursing home care, or in-home support, long-term care can cost thousands of dollars each month. Families often spend years using savings, retirement accounts, and even selling property to cover expenses.

Without planning ahead, assets that were intended to become a legacy may instead be used simply to pay for care.

Probate Takes More Than Time

Many people assume that after someone dies, their assets simply pass to their family.

Unfortunately, it isn't always that straightforward.

When assets must go through probate, the process can take months—or even longer depending on the complexity of the estate. During that time, legal fees and court costs may reduce what beneficiaries ultimately receive.

While probate laws vary by state, thoughtful estate planning can often help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays.

Family Conflict Can Be Surprisingly Expensive

Money rarely causes conflict on its own.

Uncertainty does.

When wishes aren't clearly documented, loved ones are often left making difficult decisions during one of the hardest moments of their lives.

Who receives the family home?

Who should manage finances?

Who makes healthcare decisions?

Even close families can find themselves disagreeing when there isn't a clear plan to follow.

An estate plan doesn't eliminate grief—but it can eliminate many of the questions that create unnecessary conflict.

Outdated Plans Can Be Just As Risky

Having an estate plan is important.

Keeping it updated is just as important.

Major life events—marriage, divorce, children, grandchildren, moving to another state, buying a home, or losing a loved one—can all change what your plan should look like.

Beneficiary designations deserve special attention as well. Retirement accounts and life insurance policies typically pass according to the named beneficiary, even if your will says something different.

Reviewing your plan every few years can help ensure it still reflects your wishes.

The Greatest Wealth You Leave Is Clarity

When people think about estate planning, they often think about money.

But what families remember most is clarity.

Knowing where important documents are stored.

Understanding your wishes.

Having someone legally authorized to act if you're unable to.

Reducing confusion during an already difficult time.

The Great Wealth Transfer isn't just about passing down wealth.

It's about making sure the people you love can actually receive it.

Planning today can help preserve not only your financial legacy, but your family's peace of mind tomorrow.

Protect what you've worked so hard to build. Create or update your estate plan with GoodTrust and help ensure your legacy reaches the people you love—not unnecessary delays, expenses, or uncertainty. Get started today, here.

She remembers the first time she realized the roles had changed.

It wasn't a dramatic moment.

There was no emergency room visit. No diagnosis. No life-altering phone call.

It was something small.

Her mother asked her to help pay a bill online.

Then came the doctor's appointments.

The insurance paperwork.

The prescription refills.

The endless questions.

Before long, she wasn't just a daughter anymore.

She was a caregiver.

And she's not alone.

Today, nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States provides care for a loved one. Women shoulder the majority of that responsibility, making up roughly 60% of family caregivers. While caregiving can be one of the most meaningful acts of love a person can provide, it often comes with a hidden cost few people talk about.

For many women, that cost can reach nearly $300,000 in lost wages, retirement savings, and benefits over the course of their lifetime.

That's not just a caregiving crisis.

It's a financial one.

The Hidden Cost Of Being The Responsible Daughter

Every family seems to have one. The daughter who organizes the appointments, keeps track of medications, remembers birthdays, follows up with doctors, handles paperwork, and makes sure everyone is okay.

When aging parents begin to need help, that same daughter often becomes the default caregiver. Not because she volunteered. Not because she has more time. Because everyone assumes she'll do it.

At first, the responsibilities can feel manageable: a few extra phone calls, a ride to an appointment, help with technology. 

Then something changes: a fall, a diagnosis, a hospital stay.

Suddenly, caregiving becomes a second job.

And unlike most jobs, it often comes without pay, benefits, or time off.

The Retirement Crisis Nobody Talks About

Much has been written about retirement readiness.

Far less attention has been paid to the people sacrificing their own retirement security while caring for someone else's.

Many caregivers reduce work hours or turn down promotions.

Some leave the workforce entirely.

Others continue working while taking on caregiving responsibilities that consume evenings, weekends, and nearly every free moment in between.

Over time, the impact compounds: missed contributions to retirement accounts, ‘ost employer matches, reduced lifetime earnings, delayed career growth.

The financial consequences often continue long after the caregiving responsibilities end.

What makes this particularly challenging is that many caregivers don't regret helping.

They love the people they're caring for.

They would do it again.

What they wish is that they hadn't needed to sacrifice so much of their own future in the process.

When Love Becomes A Logistics Problem

Caregiving is often portrayed as an emotional challenge.

And it is. But it is also a logistical one. Who can access financial accounts? Who can make healthcare decisions? Where are the important documents? What happens if a parent becomes incapacitated? What are their wishes?

When families haven't discussed these questions ahead of time, crises become more complicated.

Adult children are forced to make difficult decisions with limited information.

Family members disagree.

Stress increases.

Relationships suffer.

Many of the most painful caregiving situations aren't caused by a lack of love.

They're caused by a lack of preparation.

The Kindest Thing Parents Can Do

Most parents want to make life easier for their children. Many assume that means leaving behind money. While financial support can certainly help, there is another gift that may be just as valuable: a plan.

Having key documents in place, making wishes known, reviewing beneficiary designations, choosing trusted decision-makers, and organizing important information so loved ones can access it when they need it most can make an enormous difference during a crisis. These steps won't eliminate the challenges that come with aging, illness, or caregiving, but they can provide clarity during moments that are often filled with uncertainty. When families know where things are, understand what their loved one wanted, and have the legal authority to act when needed, they can spend less time navigating logistics and more time focusing on each other.

Protecting The Next Generation Of Caregivers

As Americans live longer, more families will find themselves navigating caregiving responsibilities.

Many of today's caregivers are simultaneously supporting children, managing careers, and helping aging parents.

They are often referred to as the sandwich generation.

But behind that label are real people making real sacrifices every day.

The responsible daughter.

The son who moved home.

The spouse balancing work and caregiving.

The family member quietly carrying more than anyone realizes.

Caregiving will always require love, patience, and commitment.

It shouldn't also require sacrificing an entire financial future.

The most loving thing you can do for your family isn't simply leaving them money. It's creating a plan that helps protect them from carrying a burden that was never meant to be theirs alone. So create your plan today, here.

Most people understand why they need a will. Fewer realize that a will only takes effect after death.

But what happens if you're still alive and unable to manage your own affairs?

An accident. A serious illness. A stroke. A medical emergency. Even a temporary period of incapacity can leave your loved ones scrambling to manage your finances, pay bills, and make important decisions on your behalf.

Without a Power of Attorney (POA), they may not be able to.

Estate Planning While You’re Alive

A common misconception is that estate planning is only about what happens after death.

In reality, some of the most important estate planning documents are designed to protect you while you're still living.

A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage financial and legal matters on your behalf if you're unable to do so yourself.

Depending on the powers granted, that person may be able to:

• Pay bills

• Access bank accounts

• Manage investments

• Handle insurance matters

• Sign legal documents

• Manage real estate transactions

• Communicate with financial institutions

Without a valid POA in place, even close family members may lack the authority to act.

Imagine This Scenario

You are hospitalized unexpectedly and unable to communicate for several weeks and either of the following apply: 

• Your mortgage payment is due

• Your rent needs to be paid

• Your insurance company needs paperwork

• A tax deadline is approaching.

Your spouse, adult child, or partner knows exactly what needs to be done—but when they contact the bank, they discover they have no legal authority to access your accounts or make decisions on your behalf.

The problem isn't that your family doesn't want to help.

It's that they may not have the legal authority to do so.

What Happens Next?

Without a Power of Attorney, your loved ones may need to petition a court for the authority to manage your affairs.

Depending on where you live, this process may involve:

• Court filings

• Legal fees

• Waiting periods

• Ongoing reporting requirements

• Judicial oversight

The process can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive—especially during an already difficult period.

And while every situation is different, the result is often the same: delays at a time when quick action matters most.

A Power of Attorney Is About More Than Money

While financial management is often the primary focus, a POA is really about continuity. Life doesn't stop because you're temporarily unable to manage it, bills continue to arrive, deadlines continue to pass, and responsibilities continue to exist.

A Power of Attorney can help ensure someone you trust is able to  step in and keep things moving even if you cannot for a while. 

The Missing Piece: Knowing What Exists

Even with a Power of Attorney, your chosen agent can only manage the accounts, policies, and assets they know about.

That's why many families discover a second challenge during emergencies: finding information:

• Where are the important documents?

• Which bank accounts are active?

• Who are the financial advisors, attorneys, and insurance providers?

• What subscriptions, loans, or recurring payments exist?

A Power of Attorney provides authority. Organization provides access. With the GoodTrust Digital Vault, you can organize all of your important documents and provide access to your trusted contacts so they may find them in a time of need. 

Having the right documents in place and organizing them properly can make an enormous difference during a crisis. Learn more about the value of making your documents accessible by reading our article: A Strong Estate Plan Starts with Documents—But It Doesn’t End There. 

Preparing Before It's Needed

Of course, no one plans to become incapacitated. But it can be more likely than we realize.

Creating a Power of Attorney and organizing important financial information ahead of time can help ensure your loved ones aren't forced to navigate unnecessary legal hurdles during an already stressful moment.

Estate planning isn't only about what happens after you're gone. It’s about helping your loved ones every step of the way, because if anything happens to you, you don’t want them scrambling, you want them to know exactly what to do to mitigate the existing emotional stress. 

Create and organize your estate plan today with GoodTrust, here. 

When you think of estate planning, you probably think of wills and trusts, first. Maybe you also think of power of attorneys and medical directives. And that’s a great start, but thinking about your estate plan holistically, how all the pieces fit together to make the whole process as easy as possible for your family is the right next step. Whether you’re planning for the first time, already have documents in place, or helping your parents get organized, you can benefit from taking your estate plan beyond a stack of papers and into an organized system.

What does it mean to build a system?

A system makes your estate plan clear, accessible, and actionable.

It ensures that:

• Your documents are valid

• Your information is organized

• The right people know where to find everything

• Nothing gets lost, overlooked, or locked away

Without a system, even the most carefully prepared estate plan can create confusion. Documents might exist—but no one knows where they are, whether they’re up to date, or how to use them when it matters most.

With a system, everything works together.

Step 1: Create your core estate planning documents

Start with the foundation.

This typically includes:

• A will or trust

• A power of attorney

• A health care directive

It can also include: 

• A pet directive 

• A funeral directive 

These documents outline your wishes and designate the people who can act on your behalf. If you already have these in place, you’re off to a strong start. If not, this is where to begin. 

Step 2: Make sure your documents are legally valid

Creating documents is one thing—making them legally enforceable is another.

Each state has specific requirements around signing, witnessing, and notarization. If these steps aren’t followed properly, your documents may not hold up when they’re needed.

To ensure everything is valid:

• Review your state’s requirements

• Complete any necessary witnessing or notarization

• Keep finalized copies of your signed documents

You can learn more about how to properly legalize your documents with our resources here:

• How to Make Your Wills & Trusts Valid in Your State

• How to Make Your Power of Attorneys & Health Care Directives Valid in Your State

This step is what transforms your plan from “intentions” into something legally actionable.

Step 3: Store everything in one secure, accessible place

Once your documents are finalized, the next question is simple:

Will anyone be able to find them?

Too often, estate planning documents end up:

• Buried in drawers

• Scattered across files

• Locked behind passwords

• Stored in places no one knows about

This is where organization becomes essential. Experts recommend storing your documents both in a safe physical location and a digital one. 

With the GoodTrust Digital Vault, you can:

• Upload and securely store your documents (you can even add instructions stating where the physical version is, for instance)

• Keep everything in one centralized location

• Add important details like accounts, contacts, and instructions

Instead of leaving behind scattered information, you’re creating a clear, structured system your family can actually navigate.

Step 4: Share access with the right people

Even the most organized system only works if the right people can access it. The GoodTrust Trusted Contacts feature makes it easy to share your documents with the right people. You can even choose when they’ll have access to them (now vs. after death, for example). 

That means:

• Choosing trusted individuals

• Giving them appropriate permissions

• Making sure they know where everything is

This doesn’t mean sharing everything with everyone. It means making sure the right people have access to the right information at the right time.

Step 5: Communicate your plan

This is the step people skip most often—and it’s one of the most important.

Let your trusted contacts know:

• That you’ve created a plan

• Where your information is stored

• What role they may play

You don’t need to go into every detail. But a simple conversation can make a significant difference when it matters most.

Bringing it all together

When you connect these steps, something shifts.

You’re no longer relying on individual documents scattered across different places. You’re creating a complete, functional system—one that supports your wishes and reduces stress for the people you care about.

Estate planning isn’t just about what you leave behind. It’s about how easy you make things for the people who have to step in.

Get started

Whether you’re just beginning or already have documents in place, building a system is the next step.

Start by organizing what you have, filling in the gaps, and bringing everything together in one place.

Because the goal isn’t just to have a plan. It’s to make sure it works when it’s needed most.

Get started or continue your plan, here. 

Women are the protectors of family, assets & legacy.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, it is time to recognize the vital role women play as the ultimate caretakers of our families, our memories, and our futures. Women are consistently at the heart of the family unit—caring for children, supporting aging parents, and managing the day-to-day well-being of their loved ones. Yet, when it comes to legally protecting their own legacy and assets, many women are leaving their family’s future to chance. A survey conducted by GoodTrust reveals a powerful truth: women are overwhelmingly the primary caretakers of both estate matters and preserving assets when someone in the family passes away. Only 12% of women report that a man takes the lead on estate matters. Women are the storytellers, the memory keepers, and the foundation of the family. Despite carrying this immense responsibility, there is a critical gap between what women know they need to do and what they have actually put in writing.

• 50% of women know they need a Last Will and Testament, yet only 29% actually have one.

• 47% believe medical directives are important, but only 26% have one in place.

• 65% admit they have no idea what happens to their digital accounts and assets when they pass away.

Why Protecting Your Legacy is an Act of Love Estate planning isn’t just about financial wealth; it is about protecting what matters most to you. It is about ensuring your children are cared for by the guardians you choose. It is about making sure your parents are supported. It is about organizing your life so that your family isn’t left navigating a stressful, complicated legal system during a time of grief. Interestingly, the GoodTrust survey found that 61% of women consider preserving photos, videos, and memories more valuable than financial assets (42%). Protecting your legacy means safeguarding everything—from your home and bank accounts to the priceless family photos and digital memories you’ve spent a lifetime creating. Celebrate International Women’s Day: 1,000 Free Estate Plans for Women At GoodTrust, we believe that empowerment starts with peace of mind. To honor International Women’s Day and help women take charge of their family’s future, GoodTrust is gifting free Estate Planning to 1,000 women in the US on March 8th 2026. This is your opportunity to secure your assets, protect your children, support your parents, and preserve your unique legacy. Don’t wait for “someday” to get your affairs in order. Give yourself and your loved ones the ultimate gift of security and clarity. Take Action Today Claim your free comprehensive GoodTrust Estate Plan (promotion code: IWD2026 at signup) and join the movement of women taking control of their legacies. Because protecting your family’s future is the most empowering thing you can do.

Every summer, millions of American families prepare to send their kids off to college. The packing lists are long: laptops, dorm sheets, textbooks, health insurance. The lines are also long.

But there’s one critical item missing from almost every checklist — a simple legal document that could save lives.

By Daniel Sieberg, Cofounder of GoodTrust

Use promo code AOLSAVE10 and save $10 by clicking here.

When your child turns 18, you lose the legal right to make medical or financial decisions for them. That means if they’re in an accident or face a serious health emergency on campus, you may not be able to access their health records or speak to their doctor — unless they have something like a healthcare directive or financial power of attorney in place.

And yet, according to our recent market report, only about 15% of young adults have any kind of estate planning documents. That’s despite the fact that:

• There are ~20 million college students in the U.S.

• Each year, nearly 4 million students become legal adults overnight.

• Parents continue to be deeply involved in their children’s lives, financially and emotionally — just without the legal authority to help when it may matter most.

This isn’t just a policy gap — it’s a parenting gap. And it’s one we can close with smart, digital tools that meet students and families where they are.

At GoodTrust, we believe estate planning isn’t just for later in life — it’s part of preparing for adulthood, just like signing a lease or getting health insurance. Our service helps families set up and store critical documents like:

• Advance healthcare directives.

• Durable powers of attorney.

• Financial aid files, car insurance, travel documents.

• All shareable in one secure place, your Digital Vault.

This isn't fear-mongering — it's future-proofing. It’s giving peace of mind to students, and empowerment to parents.

Universities, insurance providers, and student organizations have a major opportunity to treat this as part of a more holistic approach to student well-being. Imagine if, alongside student health insurance enrollment, there was an option to create a healthcare proxy. Or if parent orientation included a session about “adulting essentials” with estate planning front and center.

We’re already seeing some forward-thinking institutions begin to embrace this shift. But there’s so much more to do — and an entire generation of students who can benefit.

Let’s make this part of the college checklist in 2025 — not an afterthought.

Use promo code AOLSAVE10 and save $10 by clicking here.

Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or the elderly—it’s a crucial step for anyone who wants to control their legacy and provide for loved ones. Unfortunately, even some of history’s most iconic women had estate plans that led to controversy, legal battles, and unintended consequences. Here’s a look at seven famous women whose wills (or lack thereof) left a lasting impact—and the key lessons we can learn from them.

Aretha Franklin

What Happened

The Queen of Soul passed away in 2018, and it was initially believed she had no will. However, multiple handwritten wills were later discovered—one hidden in a couch. This led to a court battle between her heirs over which document should be honored. After years of legal disputes, a 2023 ruling determined that one of the handwritten wills was valid.

What Can We Learn

To avoid confusion and family conflict, estate plans should be legally executed and stored in a secure but accessible place. A disorganized or informal will can lead to prolonged court battles and unintended outcomes.

Joan Rivers

What Happened

Unlike many celebrities, comedian and TV host Joan Rivers had a clear and well-structured estate plan when she passed in 2014. Her will ensured her daughter was provided for and even included provisions for her beloved pets and long-time staff.

What Can We Learn

A thorough and thoughtful estate plan allows you to take care of your loved ones—both human and furry—without leaving legal matters up to chance. Proper planning ensures your wishes are honored exactly as intended.

Marilyn Monroe

What Happened

Marilyn Monroe left most of her estate to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg. However, after his death, control of Monroe’s estate passed to his widow, who profited heavily from Monroe’s likeness—likely in ways Monroe herself wouldn’t have approved of.

What Can We Learn

Choosing the right executor is critical. Without clear guidelines, your estate may be managed in ways that don’t align with your intentions. Using a trust can provide more control over how your legacy is handled.

Doris Duke

What Happened

Heiress Doris Duke left behind a fortune of over $1 billion, intending for it to be used for charitable purposes. However, her estate became entangled in lawsuits over allegations of mismanagement, resulting in years of legal battles that delayed the fulfillment of her philanthropic wishes.

What Can We Learn

A well-structured estate plan can ensure charitable donations are honored as intended. Setting up a charitable trust or clearly outlining donation plans in a legally binding document can help prevent mismanagement and legal disputes. Working with professional estate planners and trustees can provide oversight, ensuring that philanthropic goals are carried out effectively and without unnecessary delays.

Florence Griffith Joyner (FloJo)

What Happened

Olympic track star Florence Griffith Joyner reportedly had a will, but after her passing in 1998, it was never found. This led to a long and complicated probate process that delayed the distribution of her assets.

What Can We Learn

A will is only useful if it can be located. It should be kept in a secure but known place, and at least one trusted person should know where to find it when the time comes.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

What Happened

Jackie Kennedy Onassis set up a structured estate plan that provided for her children while also ensuring privacy through the use of trusts. Her careful planning helped her family avoid public legal battles.

What Can We Learn

Trusts can provide security and privacy, allowing you to control how assets are distributed while protecting your family from unnecessary complications.

Whitney Houston

What Happened

Whitney Houston had a will, but it was outdated. When she passed in 2012, her estate plan did not reflect changes in her family situation, leading to complications in how her assets were handled—especially after the passing of her daughter, Bobbi Kristina.

What Can We Learn

Life changes, and so should your will. Regular updates ensure your estate plan reflects your current wishes and family situation.

Final Thoughts

These stories show that estate planning isn’t just about writing a will—it’s about making sure it’s legally sound, up-to-date, and accessible (learn how to make your documents valid here). Whether you have a vast fortune or a few sentimental possessions, a clear estate plan can save your loved ones from unnecessary stress and legal battles.

At GoodTrust, we make estate planning easy, secure, and accessible for everyone. Don’t leave your legacy to chance—start your estate plan today!  

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Remember the last time you left detailed notes for your babysitter? "Pizza money's on the counter, bedtime is 8:30, and please don't let them convince you they're allowed unlimited ice cream." That's estate planning in its purest form – simply leaving clear instructions for those who'll need them.

Like that babysitter note, estate planning isn't about doom and gloom. It's about care and foresight. You're not predicting disaster by having a babysitter's number on speed dial – you're just being a responsible parent who wants a peaceful date night. Similarly, estate planning isn't about anticipating the worst; it's about ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved.

We've all heard the horror stories: families stressed over unclear wishes, digital accounts locked forever, or precious memories trapped in password-protected clouds. But it doesn't have to be that way. Modern estate planning is as natural as setting up your online banking or creating a shared family calendar.

Did you know?

An estate plan isn’t just one document. At minimum, it usually includes:

• A Will or Trust – to outline who gets what and avoid probate delays.

• Health Care Directive – so your medical wishes are respected.

• Financial Power of Attorney – to let someone you trust handle bills or accounts if you can’t.

• Digital Vault – a modern must-have, keeping photos, passwords, and important files accessible.

These are the building blocks that turn your good intentions into clear, actionable guidance.

Gone are the days of stuffy law offices and intimidating legal jargon. Today, you can create a comprehensive estate plan from your couch, perhaps while watching your favorite show. No parking fees, no elevator rides, no awkward small talk with strangers. Just you, making smart decisions for your loved ones' future, as easily as ordering takeout.

Think of it as writing a love letter to your family – one that says, "I've got this handled so you won't have to worry." In less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode, you can map out your wishes, secure your digital legacy, and ensure your family has everything they need.

The best part? There's no judgment, no pressure, and definitely no implications about age or mortality. It's simply about being prepared, like keeping an umbrella in your car or Band-Aids in your drawer. Because at its heart, estate planning isn't about planning for death – it's about making life easier for those we love.

Ready to write your own babysitter notes for the future? It's time to embrace estate planning for what it really is: an act of love, simplified for the modern age.

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When it comes to estate planning, one of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s something you can put off. However, not having a plan doesn’t just cost you peace of mind—it can have real financial, emotional, and time-consuming consequences for your loved ones. Let’s break down the true cost of not having a plan and why taking action now is easier than ever with digital estate planning.

The Financial Costs

Without a will or estate plan, your assets typically go through probate, a court-supervised process to distribute your estate. Probate can be expensive, with costs often ranging between 3-8% of your estate’s value. For an estate worth $500,000, that’s $15,000 to $40,000—money that could have gone to your loved ones.

Additionally:

• Court fees and attorney costs can pile up.

• Assets may be tied up for months (or even years) before being distributed.

• Creditors may have the opportunity to claim more of your estate during probate.

By contrast, creating a simple estate plan can cost as little as a few hundred dollars using a digital platform—and it ensures your assets go where you want them to, quickly and efficiently.

The Emotional Costs

Not having a plan doesn’t just cost money; it can create unnecessary stress and conflict among your loved ones.

• Family Disputes: Without clear instructions, disagreements over who gets what can lead to strained relationships—or even lawsuits.

• Uncertainty: Your family may struggle to make decisions without knowing your wishes, especially regarding medical care or guardianship for minor children.

Creating a will provides clarity, reduces emotional burdens, and helps your family focus on healing rather than untangling legal issues.

The Time Costs

Probate isn’t just expensive—it’s time-consuming. On average, probate can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the estate and the state’s legal system. During this time, your loved ones may have limited or no access to critical funds.

In comparison, a properly executed estate plan bypasses probate entirely for many assets, allowing them to be distributed almost immediately.

The Solution: Digital Estate Planning

Modern digital estate planning platforms, like GoodTrust, make it easier than ever to create a will, trust, and other essential documents—all from the comfort of your home.

Benefits of Digital Estate Planning:

• Cost-Effective: Affordable pricing with no hidden fees.

• Time-Saving: Most wills can be completed in under 30 minutes.

• Accessible: Available online 24/7, with guidance every step of the way.

Customizable: Update your plan easily as life changes.

Visual: The Cost of Planning vs. Not Planning

Take Action Today

The cost of not having a plan is simply too high—not just for you, but for the people you care about most. Why leave it to chance when creating a plan is so simple and affordable?

At GoodTrust, we make estate planning accessible for everyone. Whether you’re safeguarding your family’s future, avoiding probate costs, or ensuring your wishes are honored, our digital tools are here to help.

📋 Get started today. Because the best time to plan for tomorrow is right now.

#EstatePlanningMadeEasy #ProtectYourLegacy #PlanWithGoodTrust

I know, working with siblings isn’t always smooth sailing. Remember that time you had to clean out the garage together, and everyone had their own “system” (or lack thereof)? Well, planning for the future with your siblings can sometimes feel the same way, but here’s the good news: teaming up with them to discuss your parents' estate plan can actually make things easier for everyone.

When you approach estate planning as a team, you’re not only sharing responsibilities—you’re also setting yourselves up for a more unified process, so everyone is clear on your parents’ wishes. Who knows, you may even strengthen your family bonds. Here’s how you and your siblings can tackle this important task together and make it work for everyone.

 Why Siblings Should Work Together on Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t just about who gets what; it’s about respecting your parents’ wishes and making sure those wishes are carried out smoothly. Having these conversations with your siblings can help everyone stay on the same page, so when the time comes, there’s less room for misunderstandings or arguments. A little teamwork now can mean a lot of peace later.

 1. Approach the Conversation with Openness (and a Little Humor)

Let’s face it: family discussions can sometimes get tense, especially when big topics come up. But by approaching this conversation with an open mind (and maybe a sense of humor), you’re more likely to create a positive experience for everyone. Check out these tips to getting the conversation started (link to article https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GSY1RWECCXHB6aYwkISmG6qinJT38yBHBLiiv6PuUHI/edit?usp=sharing). Coming together as siblings allows you to emphasize the importance of understanding your parents’ wishes and working together. Plus, a little light-heartedness can make a serious topic feel a bit more manageable.

Tips for Success:

- Let everyone share their thoughts and feelings.

- Keep the focus on making things easier for your parents and each other.

 2. Divide and Conquer (a Family Tradition, Right?)

Growing up, you probably divided tasks to get chores done faster. Estate planning can work the same way. Splitting up responsibilities among siblings allows each of you to focus on what you’re best at. Maybe one of you is great with numbers, while another is more comfortable with healthcare decisions. Dividing roles can lighten the load and give each sibling a specific way to contribute.

Examples of Responsibilities:

- Managing financial aspects or handling assets

- Focusing on healthcare decisions and directives

- Serving as a guardian for minor children

 3. Clarify Roles Now to Avoid Confusion Later

When siblings come together to discuss estate planning, it’s a great opportunity to clarify who will be responsible for what. Knowing in advance who will serve as the executor, who will handle specific assets, or who will be the main point of contact can prevent future conflicts. This clarity also provides peace of mind for everyone, including your parents, so they know there’s a plan in place.

 4. Support Each Other Emotionally

Estate planning isn’t just about logistics; it’s also an emotional journey, especially when considering end-of-life decisions. Having your siblings by your side means you have built-in support from people who know your family and understand your parents’ wishes. Working together on this process can strengthen your relationships and provide the kind of support that only family can offer.

 5. Make Sure Your Parents’ Wishes Are Documented Clearly

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is ensuring your parents’ wishes are properly documented using a will or a trust. By acting as a united front, you can help your parents feel confident that everything is handled and documented clearly. Plus, a solid plan minimizes legal challenges down the road and keeps everyone aligned.

Topics to Cover:

- Guardianship for minor children or dependents

- Health care directives and end-of-life preferences

- Distribution of sentimental items, like family heirlooms

Pro Tip: Start the Conversation Early

One of the best ways to make these discussions easier is to start early, before any health or financial crises arise. Tackling estate planning together as a family creates a smoother path forward and builds confidence in the plan you’ve created together.

Remember, estate planning is about making sure your parents’ wishes are honored and helping the whole family find peace of mind. By teaming up with your siblings, you can make this important task easier—and even find a way to grow closer in the process. And who knows, maybe you’ll even surprise yourselves by creating new family traditions in the process.

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