Why Every Adult Needs an Estate Plan—Even If You’re Not “Rich”

by | May 7, 2025 | Estate Planning

Why Every Adult Needs an Estate Plan—Even If You’re Not “Rich”

May 7, 2025 | Estate Planning

Estate Planning Is for Everyone, Not Just the Wealthy

Estate planning isn’t just for retirees, business owners, or people with large estates. It’s for anyone who wants to control what happens to their assets and loved ones if they pass away or become incapacitated. Whether you’re 28 or 78, if you have a bank account, vehicle, home, digital accounts, or family—an estate plan is a must.

Still think you’re too young or don’t have “enough” to plan for? Consider this: if you were to pass away unexpectedly, who would receive your belongings? Who would care for your children? Who would make decisions on your behalf if you were unconscious? Without a legal plan, the answers are left to the courts.

The Risk of Doing Nothing

Many people think they have time. They put off estate planning until they’re older or until they’ve “accumulated enough.” Unfortunately, life doesn’t always wait. Sudden illness, accidents, or incapacitation can happen at any age. And when it does, families often face stress, legal fees, and confusion.

Without a plan, you’re exposing your family to:

  • Probate court delays and expenses
  • Potential fights over assets or guardianship
  • Lack of access to your financial accounts or digital assets
  • Medical decisions being made without your input

These issues are avoidable with a legally sound estate plan.

What Does an Estate Plan Actually Include?

An estate plan isn’t a single document. It’s a collection of tools that work together to protect you and your family. Depending on your needs, a basic estate plan includes:

  • Last Will and Testament – Outlines who gets what and names a guardian for minor children.
  • Revocable Living Trust – Helps avoid probate and gives you control over how assets are distributed.
  • Durable Power of Attorney – Allows someone to manage your finances if you’re unable to.
  • Healthcare Directive – Ensures your medical wishes are honored if you’re incapacitated.
  • HIPAA Authorization – Gives trusted individuals legal access to your medical records.

Each of these documents serves a specific purpose, and together they form a plan that speaks for you when you no longer can.

Why You Don’t Need a Lawyer to Get Started

In the past, estate planning often meant hiring an attorney, scheduling multiple office visits, and paying thousands in legal fees. That’s no longer necessary.

At MB Wealth Advisors, we use a trusted digital platform that lets you complete your estate plan online—backed by attorney-approved templates and expert guidance. It’s fast, affordable, and legally valid in all 50 states. No guesswork. No hassle. Just peace of mind.

You’ll answer a guided set of questions, and we’ll help ensure your plan is customized to your life, assets, and goals. If you want professional review or consultation, we’ll connect you to qualified support.

Young Professionals and Estate Planning

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you might not think estate planning applies to you—but it does. Here’s why:

  • You likely have retirement accounts, vehicles, or savings.
  • You may have a partner, spouse, or children depending on you.
  • You probably have digital assets—social media, subscriptions, crypto, or cloud-stored data.

Without a plan, these things can become inaccessible or handled by someone who doesn’t know your wishes. Naming beneficiaries, setting up a durable power of attorney, and creating a simple will are smart early steps.

Parents and Guardianship Decisions

If you have minor children, estate planning becomes critical. A will allows you to name a legal guardian. Without that, the decision is left to a judge—and your child could end up with someone you wouldn’t choose.

Beyond guardianship, a trust can help manage how assets are distributed to your children over time, rather than handing everything over at age 18. You can set terms for educational use, gradual disbursement, or oversight by a trustee you trust.

Retirees and Updating Outdated Documents

Already have a will or trust from years ago? Life changes—divorces, marriages, births, deaths, relocations, or asset changes should trigger an update. Our platform allows easy edits so your documents stay current.

It’s not uncommon for people to forget to update beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, or medical preferences. That’s why we recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years—or after any major life event.

How Estate Planning Saves Time, Money, and Stress

Planning ahead does more than just protect your assets—it protects your family from unnecessary legal burdens. Probate can take 6–18 months and cost thousands in fees. A well-structured trust can help your heirs avoid that altogether.

Beyond probate, simple tasks like accessing a checking account or paying medical bills on your behalf become impossible without a power of attorney. Without the right documents, your family may have to file court petitions to gain control—delaying care or causing hardship.

A Seamless, Digital Estate Planning Experience

We’ve removed the guesswork and cost barriers. Our estate planning service combines personal guidance with a secure, user-friendly digital process. You’ll get the same legal strength as working with an attorney, but without the high cost or delay.

Every plan includes lifetime access and the ability to update documents anytime your life changes. Whether you’re just getting started or need to modernize outdated paperwork, we’ve got you covered.

Get Started With a Plan That Reflects Your Values

Estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways you can take care of your loved ones. It gives you control, simplifies decisions, and reduces stress for your family when they’ll need it most.

We’ll help you choose the right level of planning, guide you through every step, and make sure your wishes are clearly documented. It’s affordable, accessible, and designed for real life.

Explore our Estate Planning Services or schedule your consultation today. Call (704) 584-9363 or use our secure form at mbwealthadvisors.com/contact/#connect to get started.