Rest Easy, Knowing Your Future Is Secure

Estate planning isn’t something any of us like to think about. But as your financial friends, Community Choice makes it convenient to navigate all stages of your life, so that you and your family can relax, knowing you’re prepared for the future.

We understand that the prospect of planning for the unknown can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Choice Map Personal Advisors are committed to guiding you through every step, connecting you with trusted experts and resources to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible.

The Three Fundamental Elements to Hassle-Free Estate Planning

A comprehensive estate plan is built on three pillars: a will, an advanced healthcare directive, and a durable power of attorney. Each serves a distinct and crucial purpose in safeguarding your interests and those of your family.

1. The Will: Your Voice, Your Legacy

Your will is the foundational document of any estate plan. It is, quite literally, your voice after you’re gone—a legal declaration of how you wish your assets to be distributed, who should become the guardian of your minor children, and even how your last wishes should be honored.

Why a Will Matters:

• Asset Distribution: Without a will, the state determines how your assets are divided, often through a lengthy and impersonal probate process. A will ensures your possessions, from your home to your cherished mementos, go to the people and causes that matter most to you.
  
• Guardianship: If you have children under 18, a will allows you to name a guardian. Without this specification, the courts will decide, and the outcome may not reflect your wishes or values.
  
• Clarity and Peace: A will provides clear instructions, reducing the likelihood of disputes among your heirs and offering your loved ones comfort in knowing precisely what you intended.
  

How Community Choice Credit Union Makes It Convenient and Accessible:

At Community Choice, your Choice Map Personal Advisor can connect you with trusted local attorneys and estate planning professionals who specialize in crafting wills that reflect your values and circumstances. We understand that each family is unique, and we’re committed to ensuring your legacy is preserved exactly as you envision.

2. The Advanced Healthcare Directive: Honoring Your Wishes

An advanced healthcare directive—sometimes called a living will or healthcare proxy—is a document that spells out your preferences for medical care should you become unable to communicate. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and pain management.

Why an Advanced Healthcare Directive Matters:

• Maintaining Control: Should an accident or illness leave you incapacitated, an advanced healthcare directive lets you retain control over your healthcare decisions.
  
• Relieving Family Stress: It spares your loved ones the agony of guessing what you would want or, worse, disagreeing about your care.
  
• Ensuring Dignity: This document ensures that your medical care aligns with your values, beliefs, and wishes, allowing you to approach the unknown with dignity and peace.
  

How Community Choice Credit Union Makes It Convenient and Accessible:

Navigating healthcare choices can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Through our network, your Choice Map Personal Advisor can connect you with professionals who will help you articulate your healthcare wishes clearly and legally, from trusted local attorneys to medical professionals experienced in end-of-life planning.

3. Durable Power of Attorney: Empowering Trusted Hands

A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so yourself—whether due to illness, injury, or absence. This person, known as your agent or attorney-in-fact, can pay bills, manage investments, and make critical decisions on your behalf.

Why a Durable Power of Attorney Matters:

• Continuity: Life doesn’t pause when crisis strikes. A durable power of attorney ensures your financial obligations are met and assets remain protected, even if you’re temporarily or permanently unable to act.
  
• Flexibility: You decide the scope of authority your agent will have, tailoring it to fit your needs and peace of mind.
  
• Trust: Appointing someone you trust—whether a family member, close friend, or professional—means your affairs are managed with care and integrity.
  

How Community Choice Credit Union Makes It Convenient and Accessible:

Our advisors will connect you with legal professionals in your community who will walk you through the options, helping you understand the implications of each decision, to ensure your durable power of attorney is drafted correctly and in full compliance with your state’s laws.

Questions About Estate Planning? We’re here to help!

The estate planning process is easier than you might think, but we hear a lot of questions from members just starting out. Here are a few of the most frequent and important questions and answers:

Estate Planning Matters for Everyone — and We Make It Painless

Imagine, for a moment, the comfort of knowing that your family will be taken care of according to your wishes, that the assets you’ve worked so hard for will be distributed fairly and efficiently, and that your voice will be heard even if you can’t speak for yourself. That is the essence of estate planning. Yet, many Americans put off this vital process, often due to misconceptions, discomfort, or simply not knowing where to begin.

Here are some of the most common reasons people neglect estate planning:

• “I’m too young to need it.” Life is unpredictable. Accidents and illness can happen at any time. The best time to plan is before you need it.
• “I don’t have enough assets.” Estate planning isn’t just about wealth. It’s about ensuring your children are cared for, your healthcare preferences are honored, and your family avoids unnecessary legal hurdles.
• “It sounds complicated and expensive.” With the right guidance, estate planning is more accessible and affordable than many realize.

Estate planning is a gift—not just to yourself, but to the people you love most. It lifts the burden of uncertainty from their shoulders and offers a clear path forward in what can otherwise be a confusing and emotional time. It’s an act of love, stewardship, and responsibility.