It’s About More Than a Will—It’s About Protecting Everything That Matters

Introduction

Estate planning is no longer just about who gets what when you’re gone. In today’s digital age, it’s also about managing online assets, protecting your family’s future from legal complexity, and communicating your values, not just your valuables. The rules are evolving, and if your estate plan hasn’t been updated in the last few years, you’re likely missing something critical.
At Feliciano Financial, we help clients build modern estate plans that reflect real life, not just legal requirements.

1. Don’t Stop at the Will—It’s Just the Beginning

A will is essential, but it’s only one piece of a complete estate plan.
– Powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations are just as vital
– A will doesn’t avoid probate, a revocable living trust often does
– Assets like life insurance and retirement accounts transfer by beneficiary designation, not through a will
Modern Planning = Coordination Across All Accounts and Legal Tools

2. Address Digital Assets Explicitly

In 2025, your digital life matters. If you don’t include it in your estate plan, your heirs may be locked out.
– Include logins, passwords, digital vaults, and instructions for personal websites, crypto wallets, cloud storage, or monetized content
– Consider designating a digital executor if your state allows it
Tip: Use a secure password manager that can be transferred to a trusted person.

3. Plan for Blended Families and Complex Dynamics

Families aren’t always traditional, and neither are their planning needs.
– Second marriages, stepchildren, estranged relatives, or business partners all require specific planning
– Leaving assets “to my children” without clarity could spark conflict
– Trusts, staggered distributions, and updated beneficiary designations can provide structure and protection
Estate planning is about avoiding confusion and conflict—not just about distributing assets.

4. Revisit Your Plan Regularly

A set-it-and-forget-it estate plan is a recipe for unintended consequences.
– Review your documents every 3–5 years, or when life changes (birth, death, divorce, inheritance, move)
– Make sure your plan reflects your current relationships, priorities, and state laws
Just one outdated beneficiary can undo years of good planning.

5. Include Values, Not Just Valuables

An estate plan can also be a legacy of wisdom and meaning.
– Write a legacy letter or ethical will to pass along beliefs, life lessons, or family history
– Create a short video message to accompany your documents, it’s powerful and personal
– Communicate your intentions while you’re alive to foster understanding, not surprise

Holistic Perspective: An Estate Plan Is a Gift, Not a Burden

At Feliciano Financial, we see estate planning as a final act of love and leadership. It’s about easing stress, avoiding confusion, and preserving what truly matters, your voice, your values, and your vision for the next generation. We coordinate with estate attorneys and serve as your guide through the human side of planning.

Call to Action

If your estate plan is outdated, or non-existent, let’s fix that. Schedule a consultation with Feliciano Financial and bring your estate plan into the digital age with clarity and care.

Tax and legal services are not provided by Lion Street Financial LLC. or Lion Street Advisors, LLC.

Learn more about Estate Planning and Tax Planning with Feliciano Financial Group, contact us today to discuss Wealth Planning, Wealth Management Services and your Financial Blueprint.