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It goes without saying that end-of-life estate planning isn’t exactly fun. But while the topic may seem morose, depressing and maybe even a little scary, it’s also a critical aspect of managing your assets and protecting your family, which is why it’s surprising that 2 out of 3 Americans are unprepared for the inevitable, according to a 2024 Caring.com survey.

you can also read: Understanding Guardianships and Probate Estates in North Carolina: 5 Key Considerations

The survey showed that only 32% of U.S. adults currently have estate planning documents such as a will or living trust. And for those between the ages of 35 and 54, that number is even lower at 25%.

Percentage of Americans Who Have a Will Age Group

Source: Caring.com 2024 Estate Planning Survey

As one might expect, older Americans are the most likely demographic to have an estate plan in place. According to the survey, 43% of those age 55 or older have a will or living trust. However, that percentage declines significantly with younger people.

For those under 35, 24% have a will. Thankfully, that number has been on the rise, as only 16% reported having a will in 2020.

While many have neglected it, estate planning doesn’t have to be difficult or depressing, and the sooner you get started, the better off you and your family will be. Use this guide as your one-stop resource for everything you need to get started with estate planning.

Click on the link below to read the full article

https://www.caring.com/caregivers/estate-planning/

Estate Planning 101

If you haven’t done any estate planning—i.e. finalizing legal documents to manage and pass on property and set out wishes for end-of-life matters—it should be on your list of priorities. But before you call an attorney or start drafting documents on your own, it’s important first to understand some of the basic arrangements involved in estate planning, and the protections and assurances they can provide.