In an article for Money, financial adviser Rick Kahler notes that professionals should seek to help clients with emotional well-being as well as financial well-being. That doesn’t mean financial advisers should offer therapy sessions — they aren’t qualified for that. But financial advisers can help clients develop plans for the future that are more likely to lead to financial stability, which is good for peace of mind and future emotional health.
Our firm believes the same is true when it comes to estate planning. We help you understand the law and how it can be applied to protecting your legacy, ensuring your wishes are carried out when you are gone and protecting yourself during final years. But all of those concerns come with emotional components.
It’s important that your estate plan does provide emotional peace of mind and a sense of security. Rick Kahler tells financial advisers that they should concentrate on clients first, provide guidance for unfamiliar areas, educate themselves and clients and provide innovative approaches. All of that is true for professional estate planning services.
To get emotional benefits from the estate planning process, you want to work with a provider who will explain complex matters in a way you understand and help you make decisions that are future-facing. You also want to work with someone who understands the law and can help you find innovative solutions to your unique situation.
Estate planning is often seen as a boring or tedious topic, and it is true that estate planning requires a lot of paperwork. But instead of approaching the process with dread, think of estate planning as an emotional therapy of sorts. When you are done with the process, you know that your future is a bit more stable and your heirs are more likely to be taken care of.
Source: Money, “Financial Advice Is Good, but Emotional Well-Being Is Better,” Rick Kahler, accessed Dec. 04, 2015