b"Financial FocusEven Singles Need Estate PlansI f you dont have a spouse or children, you might thinkthese charities in your will, but there may be options that you dont need to do much estate planning. But if youcould provide you with more benefits. have any assets, any familial connections, any interest in supporting charitable groupsnot to mention a desireOne such possibility is a charitable remainder trust. to control your own futureyou do need to establish anUnder this arrangement, youd transferappreciated estate plan.assetssuch as stocks, mutual funds or other securitiesinto an irrevocable trust. The trustee, whom youve In evaluating your needs for this type of planning, letsnamedin fact, you could serve as trustee yourselfcan start with what might happen if you die intestatethatthen sell the assets at full market value, avoiding the is, without a last will and testament. In this scenario, yourcapital gains taxes youd have to pay if you sold them assets will likely have to go through the probate process,yourself, outside a trust. Plus, if you itemize, you may be which means theyll be distributed by the court accordingable to claim a charitable deduction on your taxes. With to your state's intestate succession laws, essentially withoutthe proceeds, the trust can purchase income-producing regard to your wishes. Even if you dont have childrenassets and provide you with an income stream for theA durable power of attorney lets you name someone to yourself, you may have nephews or nieces, or evenrest of your life. Upon your death, the remaining trustmanage your finances should you become incapacitated. children of cousins or friends, to whom you would likeassets will go the charities youve named.This arrangement is especially important for anyone to leave some of your assets, which can include not justwho doesnt have a spouse to step in. And if you become money but also cars, collectibles, family memorabilia andAside from family members and charitable groups,incapacitated, your health care proxyalso known as a so on. But if everything you own goes through probate,theres a third entity thats central to your estate plans:health care surrogate or medical power of attorneylets theres no guarantee that these individuals will end upyourself. Everyone should make arrangements to protectyou name another person to legally make health care with what you wanted them to have. their interests, but, in the absence of an immediatedecisions for you if you cant do so yourself. family, you need to be especially vigilant about your If you want to leave something to family members orfinancial and health care decisions. And thats why, asEstate planning moves can be complex, so youll need close friends, you will need to indicate this in your lastpart of your estate planning, you may want to includehelp from a legal professional and possibly your tax and will and testament or other estate planning documents.these two documents: durable power of attorney and afinancial advisors. You may not have an immediate family, But you also may want to provide support to one or morehealth care proxy.but you still need to take steps to protect your legacy. charitable organizations. Of course, you can simply name This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.California Insurance License OC24309.When it comes toyour to-do list, putyour future first.To find out how to get yourfinancial goals on track,contact us for a complimentary review.edwardjones.comSam BuchertMember SIPC Financial Advisor581 W Wickenburg Way Suite A Wickenburg, AZ 85390 FAP-1966F-A928-684-707232 June 2021"