Use Your Time Wisely
A Get-Started Guide to Seeking Sound Advice
Take Inventory
By listing your assets and debts, you can better
plan for the distribution of your estate. Here are
guidelines to help you:
ASSETS
• Money in savings and checking accounts—list
banks and account numbers
• Stocks and bonds, mutual funds, money market
funds, and CDs—list firms and account numbers
• Real estate (including vacation property),
automobiles, jewelry, artwork and other valuables
• Life insurance policies on your life—list face
amounts, cash values, beneficiaries, name of
insurance company and agent
• IRAs and other retirement plan assets—list
custodians, account numbers and beneficiaries
• Interest in a business, partnership interests and
money owed to you
• Interest in a trust that was set up by someone else
• Include the names and addresses of any co-
owners of assets on your list
DEBTS AND OBLIGATIONS
For each of the following items, identify to whom
the debt is owed; name, address and number of
the account; amount of debt outstanding; and the
repayment schedule.
• Home mortgages
• Car loans
• Credit card balances
• Any other debt
Identify Your Beneficiaries
Make a list of the family members and friends you
want to remember in your plans. List any charitable
organizations you want to benefit after your lifetime
as well. If you are interested in supporting Indiana
University, please contact us. We can help you find
the gift that matches your goals.
Estate planning isn't only for the wealthy. If you have friends, family and an interest in charitable
giving, you will want to provide for your heirs and the causes you care about. To create your estate
plan, you will need to work with an attorney who specializes in wills, trusts or estate planning. Follow
this outline to prepare for your initial meeting.
