At Premier Financial, we often talk about transitions: retirement, inheritance, caregiving, loss. These moments are deeply personal, often emotional, and always easier to navigate with a plan. End-of-life planning may not be the most comfortable topic, but it is one of the most important.
The truth is, it’s not just about paperwork. It’s about giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind.
Ginger Weber, CFP®, one of our long-standing advisors, has guided many families through this terrain, but it was her own caregiving experience that deepened her perspective. “Until I went through it myself,” she says, “I didn’t realize how many decisions there are to make and how overwhelming it can feel if you’re not prepared.”
From that perspective, both personal and professional, Ginger often shares five areas that deserve special attention as clients consider how they want to prepare.
Start with the Right Documents
Many people assume a will or trust is enough. But as Ginger notes, “The most important documents we used for my parents weren’t about distributing assets after death—they were about managing life while they were still here.” Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives allowed her family to make necessary decisions without delay or legal hurdles.
If you’re unsure whether your documents are current or whether you even have them, it’s worth a conversation. These tools give your loved ones clarity and authority when they need it most.
Simplify for the Future
Decluttering might not seem like financial planning, but it can be one of the most compassionate things you do. “We all have too much stuff,” Ginger says. “And eventually, someone has to go through it all.”
Whether it’s sorting through belongings, downsizing, or simply organizing important files, simplifying your estate reduces the stress your family might face in the wake of loss. It also helps you stay organized and in control during your lifetime.
Keep Your Home in Shape
For many, a home is both their largest asset and their preferred place to age. But as Ginger experienced firsthand, putting off maintenance can lead to expensive and stressful situations. “In the middle of a busy season, our kitchen faucet failed and flooded the house. It was a reminder—some things can’t wait.”
Keeping your home safe, updated, and manageable ensures it remains a place of comfort and a strong part of your financial picture.
Think Carefully About Life Insurance and Inheritance
End-of-life planning also involves thinking about how your assets will be passed on. “We often remind clients—no one is entitled to an inheritance,” Ginger says. “Your resources are there to support your life first. If there’s something left after, that’s a gift.”
Sometimes, reviewing beneficiary designations and insurance policies with fresh eyes reveals opportunities to reduce tax implications or better align with your current family structure.
Have a Plan—and Share It
One of the most thoughtful things you can do is make sure someone knows what to do if something happens. At Premier, we help clients create a “Financial Master File”, a consolidated binder (or digital folder) that includes account information, estate documents, contacts, instructions, and more.
Whether you call it a go-kit, a roadmap, or just “the binder,” it becomes invaluable during moments of stress or crisis. It’s a practical tool but also a tremendous act of love.
At Premier, we believe financial peace of mind isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about having the clarity, confidence, and structure to handle life’s hardest transitions with grace.
Our team is here to walk with you through every chapter, from building your portfolio to preparing your legacy. If you haven’t revisited your estate plan, your home strategy, or your long-term financial priorities, we invite you to sit down with us.
We’re here to help you get it all in order, so that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are supported, and your life remains your own all the way through.