Estate & Legacy Planning
Once your retirement plan is in place, the next step is ensuring the wealth you’ve built transitions efficiently and according to your wishes. Estate and legacy planning isn’t only for the ultra-wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to protect loved ones, minimize complications, and pass assets on smoothly. At Heartland Retirement Group, we help you design a personalized estate strategy that reflects what matters most. From bypassing probate and reducing taxes to supporting family and causes you care about, our goal is to give you confidence that your legacy will be handled exactly as you intend.
Whether you already have an estate planning relationship or need introductions, we’ll coordinate with trusted attorneys and professionals to make sure your financial plan and estate plan work together seamlessly.
Leaving More Than Money
Clarity and Confidence in the Legacy You Leave
What We Cover
Legacy Planning Strategies That Reflect Your Life and Values
A well-structured plan ensures your assets are protected and distributed efficiently — without unnecessary taxes or delays. Every family’s goals are unique, and our advisors tailor each strategy around your vision and values.
Will & Trust Coordination
Your will or trust forms the foundation of your estate plan. We collaborate with your estate attorney to ensure your documents reflect your current wishes and align with your financial strategy.
What we help you evaluate:
- Whether a will alone is sufficient or if a trust adds protection and flexibility
- When and how to update documents after major life changes
- How assets are titled and who is best suited as executor or trustee
Beneficiary Reviews
Beneficiary designations often determine how wealth transfers — sometimes more directly than wills. Keeping these current ensures your plan works as intended.
What we help you evaluate:
- Alignment of beneficiary designations with estate documents
- Options for contingent beneficiaries
- Tax implications for heirs and inherited accounts
Charitable & Legacy Giving
If giving back is part of your legacy, we help you structure gifts that create impact and tax efficiency.
We help you evaluate:
- Charitable trusts and donor-advised funds
- The benefits of gifting appreciated assets
- Ways to integrate philanthropy into your long-term plan
Wealth Transfer & Tax Efficiency
Transferring wealth strategically helps your loved ones receive more and stress less.
We help you evaluate:
- Lifetime gifting opportunities
- Coordinating with CPAs and attorneys to reduce estate tax exposure
- Multi-generational planning for children and grandchildren
Estate Planning Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a trust if I already have a will?
A will directs how assets are distributed, but a trust can help avoid probate, provide privacy, and manage how beneficiaries receive funds. Whether you need one depends on your goals and estate size.
How often should I update my estate documents?
Every 3–5 years, or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial events.
Can my retirement accounts pass outside my will?
Yes. Accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s pass through beneficiary designations, not your will. That’s why keeping these forms current is critical.
What’s the best way to leave money to charity?
Options include naming a charity as a beneficiary, setting up a donor-advised fund, or using a charitable trust. The best choice depends on your tax picture and giving goals.
How do you work with my CPA and attorney?
We coordinate directly with your tax and legal professionals to ensure your financial plan and legal documents align, giving you one integrated approach.
