You work hard to build your savings and investments, set up a plan that protects you if you are medically unable manage your affairs or safeguard your legacy and loved ones when you are not here

Estate planning is all about giving you proper control of your assets, making sure that the right amount of money and assets go to the right person(s) at the right time. It is about wealth preservation and succession.

You work hard to build your savings, investment and superannuation having an effective estate plan is really important as it will give you the peace of mind that your personal affairs and assets are handled when you are incapacited or pass away.

It is widely known that more than 75% of Australians do not have a current will. Why is a will important? We all have assets of some form and a will instructs your executor to distribute these assets, your “estate”, in accordance with your wishes, avoiding the scenario of any ”fighting” for them after you have passed away.

There are a number of things to consider:

• What assets form part of your estate
• Who is an eligible beneficiary
• Do you want to restrict how assets are distributed and when
• How to structure your estate with tax in mind.

Estate planning is complex and as your circumstances change it’s important to review your position to ensure it is still relevant and that you have considered the options available to manage the family and tax situation.