If you own a home, have a retirement account, or have children who depend on you — you have an estate. Use this checklist to see exactly where you stand.
Take the free readiness quizMost families put off estate planning because they don't know where to start. This checklist changes that. Work through it once, and you'll have a clear picture of what you have, what you're missing, and what needs attention first.
Estate planning isn't just about having a will. It's about making sure the right documents exist, your beneficiary designations are current, your family can find everything, and the people who need to act on your behalf have the authority to do so.
The most common estate planning failure isn't a missing will — it's access. Documents exist but no one else knows where they are or how to get to them. Getting organized is only half the equation. Making sure the right people can find everything is the other half.
Review every 3–5 years, and after any major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, significant change in assets, or moving to a new state.
Keep originals in a fireproof safe or bank safe-deposit box. Keep copies with your executor and attorney. Keep digital backups in encrypted cloud storage — with access instructions for your family.
Most families with significant assets have never organized their estate in one place. Answer 7 quick questions and find out exactly where you stand — and what's putting your legacy at risk.
Do you have an up-to-date will?
Most people don't.
Can your family find your documents in an emergency?
Often the answer is no.
Do your advisors know each other?
Siloed advisors cost estates millions.
Stories
Estate planning isn't just about wealth — it's about clarity, protection, and the peace of knowing your family is cared for.
“We'd been putting this off for years. Golden Wealth made it approachable — we organized our entire estate in a weekend. Now our kids know exactly what's protected and why.”
Katherine & David Merritt
Two children · Portland, OR
“My attorney and accountant can finally see exactly what they need without me playing messenger. It's changed how we manage our family's financial picture entirely.”
Robert Ashford
Retired executive · Scottsdale, AZ
“After losing my father with no plan in place, I swore I'd protect my own family differently. Golden Wealth gave me the structure and confidence to finally do it right.”
Sarah Chen-Williams
Three generations · San Francisco, CA
Golden Wealth gives you a secure home for every document, account, and contact — with per-person access controls so your family finds what they need, when they need it.
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