When people hear the term estate planning, it’s easy to assume it’s only for the ultra-wealthy—those with sprawling properties, large investment portfolios, or family businesses to pass down. But the truth is, if you have a bank account, a home, a car, a retirement plan, or even a cherished family heirloom, you have an estate. And that means you need an estate plan.
At Evergreen Wealth Advisors, we believe estate planning is a critical component of every comprehensive financial strategy—not just a tool for the rich, but a safeguard for everyday families who want to protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.
What Is an Estate Plan, Really?
An estate plan is simply a set of documents that outlines your wishes for your assets, your dependents, and even your healthcare in the event of your passing or incapacitation. It can include:
- A will
- Beneficiary designations
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
- A trust (in some cases)
You don’t need to have millions in the bank to justify putting these pieces in place. If you have children, want to ensure your assets go to the right people, or want to avoid unnecessary costs and stress for your loved ones, an estate plan is a must.
Where Estate Planning Fits in Holistic Wealth Management
At Evergreen Wealth Advisors, we structure our approach around the Five Pillars of Holistic Wealth Management, one of which is Legacy Planning. Estate planning is a cornerstone of this pillar. Legacy planning isn’t just about transferring assets—it’s about passing on values, protecting family harmony, and creating an intentional roadmap for what you leave behind. A well-crafted estate plan ensures that your financial legacy reflects your life’s work and supports the people and causes that matter most to you.
Avoiding Probate and Protecting Loved Ones
Without a clear plan, your assets could be tied up in probate—a lengthy and public legal process that can burden your family during an already difficult time. A thoughtful estate plan helps minimize or avoid probate altogether, preserves more of your estate for your heirs, and ensures your wishes are honored.
Do You Need an Attorney?
While attorneys can be extremely helpful for more complex estates or legal situations, you don’t necessarily need one to get started. At Evergreen Wealth Advisors, we help clients build the foundational pieces of an estate plan, working alongside you to identify your goals and help you understand your options.
Whether that means setting up proper beneficiary designations, walking you through a will creation service, or coordinating with an estate planning attorney when needed, our team is here to guide the process. We believe estate planning shouldn’t be overwhelming or expensive—it should be empowering.
Let’s Talk About Your Plan
No matter your stage of life or the size of your estate, now is the right time to start planning. Your financial legacy isn’t just about the dollars and cents—it’s about the values you leave behind and the peace of mind you give your family.
If you’ve been putting off creating or updating your estate plan, we invite you to connect with the team at Evergreen Wealth Advisors. We’ll help you understand your options and take that next step toward a more secure future.