Need to make an estate plan but don’t know where to start? This quick, no-fluff guide walks you through the essential steps to protect your assets, loved ones, and legacy—fast.
We’ve stripped out the legal jargon and removed all the fluff that usually makes estate planning feel like a chore. This guide is as approachable and straightforward as it gets—designed to help you get it done, not get overwhelmed.
This guide is the simplest, most pain-free way to start thinking about your legacy plan. Just four key steps, all doable in one sitting. Most people avoid this. You’re not most people. So let’s get started.
[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2500”]
An image of a black spiral notebook with the word plan on it. There’s a pen next to it on a yellow background [/caption]
Goal: By tonight, you’ll have the foundations of your estate plan in place.
How: One action per section- Keeping it simple.
Step 1: WHO — Who Are You Doing This For?
This isn’t about you—it’s about the people left behind.
Think about:
- Who depends on you—financially, emotionally, practically?
- Who would you want to make decisions or carry out your wishes?
**Action:
**Write down 3–5 names: the people who matter most and would be most impacted if something happened to you.
Label it: “Estate Plan – WHO” and save it in a doc or folder.
Bonus: Text one of them tonight. Tell them you love them.
Step 2: WHAT — What Are You Leaving Behind?
Stuff, stories, passwords, bank accounts, the signed Jordan jersey—you’ve got more than you think.
Think about:
- Physical stuff: car, home, jewelry, collections
- Financial: bank accounts, insurance, investments
- Digital: passwords, logins, social media
- Sentimental: photos, letters, journals
- Messages or values you want to pass on
**Action:
**Start a simple inventory. Big items only. Who gets what? Use a note, spreadsheet, napkin—whatever works.
Share at least one item with someone today: “Hey bro, you get the Jordan jersey.” Or hey, maybe do something really responsible and designate a legacy contact on your bank account.
Step 3: WHERE — Where Is Everything?
If someone had to step in tomorrow—could they find the essentials?
Think about:
- Your will or power of attorney (if you have one)
- Passwords and logins
- Insurance policies, deeds, or titles
- Any final instructions
**Action:
**Make a list of where the important stuff lives (and how to access it).
Even better—save it in one secure, central place and tell one person where to find it.
Step 4: WISHES — What Do You Want to Happen?
This is your voice after you’re gone. Don’t leave people guessing.
Think about:
- Medical wishes—what you do or don’t want if incapacitated
- Cremation or burial? Celebration or ceremony?
- How do you want to be remembered?
- Anything left unsaid?
**Action:
**Write down 3 wishes. Doesn’t have to be formal.
Example: “I want a New Orleans jazz band at my memorial. And no one is allowed to speak unless they tell a funny story.”
Tell someone. Say it out loud. Hit send on the text. Done.
YOU DID IT!
You just did more in one day than most people ever do.This is your legacy in motion—peace of mind for your people. We’re proud of you.
Next steps if you want to go further:
- Use an online will service
- Meet with an estate attorney
- Harness existing tools and add a “legacy” contact to a major account
- Set a reminder to update this yearly
—The Good Grief Team 🖤☠️
