The optimal time to begin estate planning is now. It is easiest to make these important decisions before a crisis occurs. Therefore, schedule a meeting with an estate planning attorney at your earliest convenience. Your attorney will assist in guiding you through discussions with the individuals you wish to designate as your trustee or the guardian of your minor children. If meeting with an estate planning attorney is not feasible due to budget constraints or time limitations, there are three simple, free actions you can take to better organize your affairs.

• Review all the beneficiaries listed on your retirement accounts and life insurance policy to ensure they are accurate, up-to-date and aligned with your wishes.
• Compile a list of all your assets and securely store it. Also, inform the person overseeing your estate about the location of the list.
• Assign a legacy contact on your iPhone or an inactive account manager for Android users. This grants the designated person access to the data on your phone, containing crucial information about your estate.