The New Year brings a time to reflect, plan, and start the tasks we meant to do last year, but never quite found the time. For some of us, the New Year to-do list includes planning for the future, whether that be for retirement, our health, or for our family’s needs.
While finances and future plans are on many resolution lists, sometimes the hardest part is taking that next step. Here are some ideas you might think about to help move your planning forward:
- What has changed in your life—your marital status; new children or grandchildren; loved ones who passed; and/or your health condition?
- Does your will arrange for the care of any minor children or pets? Does it provide for any special needs your loved ones may have? Does it minimize taxes and name a capable executor to oversee your affairs?
- Do you have a health care proxy? Have you given directions to be followed in case you become incapacitated and can’t make decisions for yourself?
- How much of your savings will you need? When will you need it? Will your income maintain the lifestyle you envision?
- How will you support the people and causes important to you? Have you considered the right plan to make your goals a reality?
When you create or review your plans you have an opportunity to consider gifts to the community as well as your family and friends. Take a moment to think about the Christian Brothers of the Midwest and other organizations that have been important to you during your life, and what kind of legacy you would like to leave.
If getting your finances in order or retirement planning is on your to-do list this year, we are happy, in conjunction with your financial planning professional, to discuss options with you. Because of generous supporters like you, we continue our commitment to faith, community, education, and service as together, we create positive change in our world, one student at a time.
