Making Your Estate Plan Part of Your Holiday Gift
The holidays are a season of generosity, a time to reflect on the people we love and the legacy we want to leave behind. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when wrapping presents or hanging stockings, updating your estate plan can be one of the most meaningful gifts you give your family this year.
Thoughtful estate planning is about more than dividing assets; it’s about providing clarity, comfort, and security for your loved ones. As you gather with family this holiday season, consider how small updates or intentional gifting strategies can create lasting impact for generations to come.
Update Beneficiaries: The Gift of Clarity
Life changes quickly — new marriages, grandchildren, career shifts, or the loss of loved ones can make old beneficiary designations outdated.
Taking the time to review and update the beneficiaries listed on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or investment accounts ensures that your assets are distributed exactly as you intend.
It’s a quiet but powerful way to protect your family from future confusion or conflict — and it costs nothing more than a little time and attention. In many ways, that clarity and peace of mind are among the greatest gifts you can give.
Create Trusts for Grandchildren: The Gift That Grows
If you’re a grandparent, creating or funding a trust for your grandchildren is a wonderful way to pass along not only financial support but also family values.
A trust allows you to:
Provide for education or special experiences.
Protect assets until your grandchildren are old enough to manage them responsibly.
Reduce estate and gift taxes through structured giving.
By setting up a trust, you’re giving your family more than money — you’re giving them the stability and opportunity to grow into their future with confidence.
Strategic Gifting: The Gift of a Head Start
The holidays can also be a smart time to make strategic financial gifts. Each year, individuals can give up to a certain amount per recipient (currently $19,000 in 2025) without triggering federal gift taxes.
You can use this annual gift exclusion to:
Contribute to a grandchild’s 529 college savings plan.
Help an adult child with a down payment or home improvements.
Support a family member’s medical or educational expenses (if paid directly to the provider).
These gestures — large or small — reflect your values and priorities, turning generosity into lasting support for those you love.
The True Spirit of Holiday Giving
Updating your estate plan isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about peace of mind. By taking care of these important details now, you’re helping your family avoid stress later — and ensuring your wishes are honored for years to come.
This holiday season, consider giving your loved ones the gift of security, clarity, and a lasting legacy.
At English Law Group, we can help you review your estate plan, update beneficiary designations, and explore gifting or trust options that fit your family’s goals.
Schedule Your Year-End Estate Review
Make this holiday season a little brighter — for you and your family — by turning your generosity into long-term protection.
Contact English Law Group today to schedule your year-end estate planning review or to learn more about creating a thoughtful legacy plan for the ones you love most.