Everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their family is cared for. Yet too often, financial and life planning gets pushed aside for “someday.” The truth is, with so many daily distractions, it is more important than ever to carve out time for this planning now.
Over the coming months, we will be sharing a six-part series that walks through a family financial planning checklist, covering topics that range from everyday money management to insurance to estate planning and beyond. We hope the ideas we share give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to provide peace of mind, which also brings peace of time.
Part One: A Clearer Picture of Your Family’s Finances
For our first segment, we are excited to focus on better understanding your family’s finances. It may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people are unable to list all their accounts when asked. Cash, brokerage, retirement, HSA, and other accounts are important to know. And if you have a partner, you both should know where your money lives.
We have seen it too many times. Something unexpected happens, and the family member who has not been as involved with the finances suddenly realizes they do not have the full picture. They may not know which accounts exist, where the mortgage is paid from, or even how to access the cash they need. That initial confusion often heightens anxiety, especially during an already stressful life event, and in some cases can lead to lasting financial consequences.
Every family oversees their finances in their own way. There is no perfect system. What matters is making sure no one is left in the dark. Life will always throw curveballs but knowing what you own and where to find it can turn a potential challenge into something you can manage.