Legacy in Motion: Estate Planning that Protects What Matters Most

Presented by Retirement GPS: Navigated by Zynergy

Estate Planning Isn’t About Documents—It’s About Direction

For many, the words “estate planning” spark feelings of dread. It can feel overwhelming, complicated, or like something you’ll “get to later.” But here’s the truth: estate planning isn’t just paperwork—it’s a roadmap you leave for your family. Without it, your loved ones are left wandering in the dark. With it, you provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind.

At Zynergy, estate planning is one of the 10 core components of our Retirement GPS Framework. And just like you wouldn’t start a road trip without a map, you shouldn’t leave your legacy without one.

Why Estate Planning Matters

A well-structured estate plan ensures:

• Your assets pass to the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
• Taxes, probate costs, and delays are minimized.
• Family stress and conflict are reduced during already difficult times.

And no, it’s not just for the ultra-wealthy. Whether you’re passing down millions or making sure your home and heirlooms end up where you want them, estate planning is for everyone.

The LEGACY Estate Planning Process

To guide Members, we use our proprietary LEGACY Estate Planning Process. It keeps your plan alive, relevant, and aligned with your wishes:

• Listen & Learn – Understand your family, assets, and goals.
• Evaluate Strategies – Minimize taxes, fees, and conflicts.
• Generate Documents – Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives.
• Asset Alignment – Make sure beneficiaries and titles match your plan.
• Catalog Legacy – Store key documents, letters, account lists, even videos for your loved ones.
• Yearly Review – Keep everything updated with our 1-3-6 cycle: annual discussions, three-year reviews, and attorney reviews every six years.

This isn’t a one-and-done process—it’s an ongoing commitment to keeping your wishes clear.

The Three Big Issues in Retirement Estate Planning

When reviewing your estate plan, focus on these essentials:

1. Update wills and beneficiaries regularly. Remember, beneficiary designations override your will.
2. Establish powers of attorney and healthcare directives. Protect your family from confusion if you can’t make decisions.
3. Plan for taxes and transfers. Smart strategies now can reduce burdens later.

Beyond Money: The Emotional Side of Legacy

A true legacy is more than financial—it’s personal. That’s why we help Members create LEGACY Letter Packages: handwritten notes, videos, favorite recipes, even playlists. These gifts carry forward your voice, values, and stories.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful inheritance isn’t what’s in an account—it’s what’s in your heart.

Action Steps

Here’s where to start today:

• Review your will and beneficiary designations.
• Confirm your powers of attorney and healthcare directives.
• Talk to your advisor about estate tax strategies.
• Consider writing a personal legacy letter for your family.

Want the strategy behind the framework?

Listen to Episode 11 of the Retirement GPS Podcast: Mile Marker 11: Legacy in Motion – Estate Planning that Protects What Matters Most