From Fear to Faith: 
A Simple Guide to 
Organizing Your Estate

We have all lived long enough to realize that no one lives forever. A question that must logically proceed from that reality is: What will happen to the assets that I might have received during my lifetime? As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the blessings God has given us, and that includes planning for their transfer to the people and causes we love. This guide is here to walk you through that process, step by step, with clarity and peace.

Let's first look at what happens if you do nothing. Some people call this the "do-nothing plan." The government has a plan for your estate even if you don’t. The bad news is, you probably won’t like it, and they don’t send a fruit basket for your trouble. When a person passes away without a will, it’s called dying "intestate." In this scenario, a probate court judge in your state will follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all legal formula to distribute your property.

The outcome of this court-directed process is rarely what you would have wanted. Your assets might go to a relative you haven’t spoken to in twenty years, while a dear friend or a beloved charity gets nothing. The process is public, can take months or even years, and can be expensive, with legal and court fees eating away at the inheritance you hoped to leave behind. Worst of all, it can cause painful arguments among family members who are left to guess at what your wishes might have been.

Now, let's consider the alternative: a careful, prayerful plan. This isn't about dwelling on death; it's about being a responsible steward and showing love for your family. Creating a plan is one of the most considerate gifts you can give to your loved ones. It replaces confusion with clarity, anxiety with peace, and potential arguments with a clear path forward. It ensures that your lifetime of hard work blesses the people you intend it to bless

Many people feel a sense of dread and think, "I'm afraid of dealing with this complicated topic." It’s a perfectly normal feeling. The paperwork, the legal terms, the thought of the IRS—it's enough to make anyone want to put it off. You might be asking, "I know it's important, but how can I overcome my fear?" The answer is to reframe the task. You are not preparing for an end; you are organizing a legacy of love. You can overcome this fear by taking small, simple steps, one at a time, to bring order and peace to your affairs and your family’s future.

If you struggle with paperwork and organization, let’s start with something simple and not the least bit scary. Get a sturdy three-ring binder and label it "My Important Information." That’s it! Your first step is done. This binder will become your central place for everything. Don't try to find everything in one day. This week, just find one document—maybe the deed to your house or your most recent bank statement—and put it in the binder. Each week, add one or two more things. This slow, steady approach turns an overwhelming mountain into a series of small, manageable molehills.

What should go into this binder? Think of it as a roadmap for your family. Include copies of things like: bank and investment account statements, life insurance policies, deeds to property, car titles, and a list of any valuable personal items (like jewelry or antiques) and who you’d like to have them. Also, include a list of important contacts, like your pastor, your doctor, and any financial professional you work with. Finally, make a list of your online accounts and passwords—this is a critical piece of information in our digital world.

The most basic planning tool is a Last Will and Testament. A will is simply a legal document where you state who you want to receive your property and who you want to be in charge (the "executor") of carrying out your wishes. For someone with a very simple estate—for example, you own a home, a bank account, and a car, and you want to leave it all to one person—a state-specific statutory will form might seem like a simple DIY option. However, these forms can be very rigid and may not fit your specific situation.

So, how do you know when you absolutely need outside help? You should seek professional advice from an attorney if your situation includes any of the following: you have a blended family with children from a previous marriage, you want to disinherit a close relative, you have a child with special needs, you own a business, or your total assets are significant (approaching the estate tax exemption levels). In these cases, a DIY approach can lead to serious legal problems and family heartbreak down the road.

Finding the right help doesn't have to be difficult. An estate planning attorney is a lawyer who specializes in this area. They can draft the documents needed to ensure your wishes are legally binding. Ask friends for recommendations, or perhaps your pastor or a trusted leader in your church can refer you to someone in your community with a reputation for integrity and compassion. A good professional will listen patiently and explain things in a way you can understand, without pressure.

Now, let's talk about the big, scary monster in the room: the IRS. Many people are terrified that the government will take a huge chunk of their estate in taxes. Here is some wonderful, reassuring news: this is very unlikely. According to the IRS, for 2024, the federal estate tax only applies to estates valued at over $13.61 million per individual. The vast majority of Americans will never have to worry about paying any federal estate tax. Your fear of the IRS, while understandable, is likely unnecessary when it comes to your estate.

One of the most powerful and easy DIY planning steps you can take involves your retirement accounts and life insurance. For accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, and life insurance policies, you can name a "beneficiary" directly on the account paperwork. When you pass away, the money in these accounts goes directly to the person you named, completely bypassing the long and public probate court process. It’s simple, free, and you can usually do it online or with a one-page form from your financial institution. Check your beneficiaries today!

You may have heard people talk about "trusts." A revocable living trust is another tool, like a will, but it can offer more privacy and control. Think of it as a basket you create. You put your assets (your house, your bank accounts) into the basket during your lifetime, you control the basket, and when you're gone, the person you named as your successor trustee simply distributes the contents of the basket according to your instructions. It avoids probate, but setting one up is more complex than a will and almost always requires an attorney.

Wise planning isn't just about what happens to your things after you're gone. It's also about who makes decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself. Two critical documents for this are a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, which names someone to manage your money, and an Advance Healthcare Directive (or Living Will), which names someone to make medical decisions for you and outlines your wishes for end-of-life care. These are profound acts of love that protect both you and your family from making agonizing decisions during a crisis.

From a Christian perspective, this entire process is an act of faith and stewardship. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 13:22 that "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children." This inheritance is more than just money; it's a legacy of faith, wisdom, and love. By organizing your affairs, you are modeling responsible stewardship of the resources God entrusted to you and smoothing the path for your family during a difficult time of grief.

What is the positive outcome of doing all this? It is the incredible gift of peace. You will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have done everything you can to protect your loved ones. And they will have the peace of being able to grieve your loss without the added burden of a financial and legal disaster. They will see your plan not as a document about money, but as your final "I love you."

So, let's recap your simple, fear-free action plan. First, get your binder and start slowly gathering your important documents. Second, make a simple list of what you own and who you would like to have it. Third, look at the list in paragraph nine to decide if you need to call a professional. Fourth, whether you do it yourself or with a pro, complete the basic documents: a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. Fifth, and this is very important, tell your executor or a trusted child where to find your binder. A perfect plan is useless if no one can find it!

Remember, we have all lived long enough to realize that no one lives forever. A question that must logically proceed from that reality is: What will happen to the assets that I might have received during my lifetime? You now have the knowledge and the simple steps to answer that question with confidence and faith, not fear. Take that first small step today. May God grant you wisdom and peace as you undertake this important act of love and stewardship.

Sources:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Information regarding federal estate tax exemptions can be found on the official IRS website, specifically under "Frequently Asked Questions on Estate Taxes."

Nolo.com: A widely respected legal self-help resource that provides plain-English explanations of wills, trusts, probate, and other estate planning topics.

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): Offers numerous articles and resources on estate planning tailored for senior citizens, including checklists and guides on powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version: For scriptural references and perspective.

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