Summer often brings a welcome pause. Between vacations, longer days, and fewer work meetings, there’s a little extra breathing room in our schedules.
Before the back-to-school chaos creeps in—or the holidays sneak up—this slower season is the perfect time to check in on something most of us avoid: your legacy.
Whether you’ve been meaning to organize your estate documents or just need a gentle nudge, here are 3 quick wins you can tackle this summer that will bring peace of mind (without upending your beach plans):
☀️ Three Quick Wins for Your Legacy
1. Beneficiary Basics
One of the simplest (and most overlooked) steps you can take is making sure your beneficiary designations are up to date. These dictate who gets what—like life insurance payouts, retirement accounts, and brokerage funds—when you’re gone.
It’s smart to review and update them regularly, especially after big life changes like marriage, divorce, or the arrival of new family members. A quick check now can prevent big headaches later. And if you’re not sure what’s what, an estate planning attorney or financial advisor can help you make sense of it all.
2. Share Where Your Documents Are
Even the best estate plan is useless if no one can find it. Make sure your executor, trustee, or agent knows exactly where to find your original documents, like your will, powers of attorney, and advance directives.
This isn’t the time for mystery. A quick conversation now can spare your loved ones a lot of confusion (and frantic drawer-rummaging) later.
3. Digital Keys to the Kingdom
Don’t forget about your digital life. Tools like Facebook’s Memorialization Settings, Apple’s Legacy Contact, and Google’s Inactive Account Manager let you decide what happens to your accounts after you’re gone.
Also, make sure someone you trust has your phone passcode, computer password, and key logins. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, helping your loved ones access everything from family photos to financial apps.
🔍 Want to Dig Deeper?
If you’re ready to go beyond the quick wins and truly organize your legacy, we can help you make sure your executor, trustee, or agent has everything they need. From essential documents to key information, we’ll help you put it all in place, clearly and thoughtfully.
Learn more ➜ www.myafterlight.com/services/legacy-planning/
📚 Summer Reading: Late To Your Own Funeral
If you prefer a good poolside read that’s equal parts useful, witty, and a little irreverent, my new book Late To Your Own Funeral is for you.
Get it at www.latetoyourownfuneral.com
Even if you only tackle one of these things between sunscreen applications and summer spritzes, you’ll be miles ahead of most people. Your future self—and your heirs—will think you’re a total rockstar.
