Collaborative post

Planning for the future isn’t just about saving for retirement or setting career goals (although both those things are important, of course); it’s also about making massively important, and sometimes unpleasant, decisions that mean your wishes will be respected even if you’re not around to make sure of it. Yes, these are decisions that most of us don’t really want to think about too much (or at all), but they are essential, and with that in mind, here are some of the key decisions you’ll need to make, sooner rather than later.

Estate Planning

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make for your future is writing a will or creating a trust – which one you opt for depends on the outcome you want. A will is a legal document that sets your wishes out in writing about how you want your assets to be distributed, who you want to take care of your children, and anything else you might want to note down. If you don’t have a will, there’s a legal procedure that everything has to go through, and it might be that your estate is divided up in a way you wouldn’t want. 

A trust, on the other hand, is much more flexible, and it means you can manage your assets while you’re still alive and distribute them as you want when you die. There are other benefits to trusts, like minimizing taxes and avoiding probate, so it might be a good option. It’s best to get expert advice before you decide though, as there are pros and cons to each choice. 

Planning Your Funeral

Now this idea really is morbid one, but wouldn’t it be good to have everything planned out so your loved ones don’t have to worry about it? Plus, they’ll know that the funeral is exactly what you wanted, which takes a lot of decision-making off the table – that’s hard at the best of times, but it’s even more difficult when you’re grieving. 

Start by researching the funeral home you want so you know you’ve picked one that’s going to be able to handle everything. You can talk to the professionals there about your options and make sure everything is put in writing – you can even pay for some or all of your funeral in advance, which is another weight off everyone’s shoulders. It’s also a good idea to let your loved ones know what you’ve chosen so nothing takes them by surprise when the time comes. 

Healthcare Decisions 

Another big part of planning for your future is thinking about your healthcare needs. Of course, you might not need any help in this department – it could be that you stay fit and healthy until the day you die. However, a lot of people do become unwell as they get older, and it’s wise to have a plan in place just in case that happens to you. 

This is where a living will can be of use. A living will is a way to write down your wishes about your healthcare and medical treatment, especially when or if it comes to end-of-life care. You can specify whether you want life-sustaining treatment like a ventilator and so on, as some people would prefer not to use these things. By noting it all down and making it legal, you’re ensuring all your wishes will be followed, no matter what.