Is a financial power of attorney enough? Learn why this document only grants authority during your lifetime and how to ensure your accounts and property are handled after your passing with tools like a will or other legal arrangements.

Charitable giving is a core principle of Financial Planning Ministry’s program, grounded in Proverbs 3:9-10, where God calls us to honor Him with our wealth. FPM helps Christians be good stewards of their resources, using estate planning to redirect savings to Kingdom purposes and charitable causes.

FPM offers assistance with basic estate planning needs, but for more complex matters, we can connect you with Christian attorneys through the Christian Legal Society. While many people choose to handle legal matters themselves, when in doubt, it's important to seek expert legal advice.

What does it mean to fund or retitle your assets? Learn how transferring assets into your trust ensures everything is in one place, streamlines future updates, and simplifies the process for your beneficiaries. By changing asset titles and beneficiary designations to your trust, you create a unified plan that reflects your wishes and avoids complications.

Does joint ownership really avoid probate? Learn the truth about how joint ownership works, including potential risks such as loss of control, increased liability, tax issues, and the possibility of probate if both owners pass away. Discover why relying solely on joint ownership may not be the best strategy for estate planning.

What happens to everything you own when you pass away? Learn what an estate is, who controls it after you're gone, and why planning ahead is crucial. Discover how tools like a last will or a living trust can help you decide who inherits your assets and avoid the delays of probate court.

How does FPM work in estate planning as a nonprofit? Discover how Financial Planning Ministry serves its members by providing free estate planning resources and guidance, empowering individuals to protect their families and fulfill their stewardship potential.

With a revocable living trust, you maintain control over your assets. As the trustee, you'll have full authority to manage and make decisions about the assets in the trust, just as you do with joint accounts if you are married.

FPM's online program and live events are designed to remove the confusion around estate planning. Led by ministers, lawyers, and educators, we simplify the complexities of Wills, trusts, and legal documents to help you make informed decisions. Plus, we offer all the necessary documents at no out-of-pocket cost, ensuring clarity and peace of mind without any sales pressure.

How can you prevent family conflict after your passing? Discover two crucial steps to ensure peace among your loved ones: avoiding probate with a living trust and clearly naming beneficiaries for all assets. Learn how proper estate planning can minimize misunderstandings, reduce legal involvement, and keep your family united during a difficult time.

Do you know your state’s probate threshold? Learn how state-specific dollar limits determine whether your estate will go through probate and why most people are subject to it. Find out how simple planning can help your loved ones avoid the process.

Did you know that a Special Needs Trust can help ensure the beneficiary will not lose government aid?

Revocable trusts offer the flexibility to update your estate plan as your life changes. You don't have to wait to set up your documents—start with the basics, and as your life evolves, update your documents accordingly. FPM makes it easy by offering unlimited updates without extra fees, ensuring your estate plan always reflects your current situation.

Blended families face unique challenges in estate planning. Should you create one plan or two? This video explores the pros and cons of joint versus separate trusts, emphasizing the importance of transparency, communication, and detailed planning to ensure everyone's expectations are met and assets are distributed fairly.

Discover the typical costs of estate planning and how you can save thousands by avoiding probate fees. Learn about the expenses for simple wills, probate-avoiding trusts, and Special Needs Trusts. Find out how our nonprofit ministry provides a no-cost, Christian-based solution to help you protect your assets and loved ones.

Can your documents be changed after you pass away? Discover why wills and trusts become irrevocable upon your death, ensuring your wishes are honored. Learn how only you, as the creator, can make changes during your lifetime.

A Special Needs Trust can help ensure that your loved one with special needs does not lose important government assistance such as SSI. By placing funds in the trust, the beneficiary will not be disqualified from these benefits. FPM offers Special Needs Trusts at no cost to families in need, with guidance on creating one.

FPM offers document storage for your estate planning materials. While the original signed documents remain in your possession, we can store photocopies as a backup. Although current laws require in-person signatures for wills and trusts, we anticipate future changes allowing digital signatures. When that time comes, FPM will offer secure digital storage for your original documents, making them easily accessible.

Choosing the right successor trustee and/or executor is crucial for managing your estate. It can be an adult child, other family member, trusted friend, or even a corporate trustee like a bank. It's recommended to select someone who has a good understanding of banking and tax issues, with backup options in place if your first choice is unable to serve.

While attorneys are necessary for complex legal situations, most people have straightforward estate planning needs that don’t require their time or expense. If you know your assets, who you'd like to leave them to, and if you'd like to include a charitable gift, Financial Planning Ministry can assist in preparing your estate documents at no out-of-pocket cost. You just need to consider including a gift to a charity that you care about.

What is probate, and why should you avoid it? Learn how probate works, the burdens it places on loved ones, and how it makes your private information public. Discover why planning ahead with simple steps can save time, money, and protect your family’s privacy.

Who will care for your minor children if you pass away? Learn why it’s important to plan ahead and designate a guardian in your estate plan, ensuring your children are cared for according to your wishes.

After your passing, your successor trustee will officially manage your estate. While FPM cannot serve as a trustee, we encourage your successor to contact us for guidance. We'll provide them with the necessary steps and helpful information to navigate the process. If you're unsure about who to name as your successor trustee, we’re here to assist you in considering the best options for your situation.

How does the lack of planning complicate the process of losing a loved one? Can I simplify my loved one's responsibilities after I'm gone?

Yes, Financial Planning Ministry can update your existing revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. Simply complete our update request form and provide a copy of your current documents. You can submit them via mail, email, or upload through our website. We’ll ensure your updated documents accurately reflect your wishes.

Discover why having an estate plan is essential to protect your loved ones and maintain your privacy. Learn how the probate process can expose your personal details and delay your family's inheritance, and find out how a revocable living trust offers a simple solution to avoid probate entirely.

What does God say about finances and why does He care? Discover how scripture teaches us to wisely steward the wealth God gives us, emphasizing generosity, discipline, and building His kingdom through responsible money management.

In addition to a last will and testament or a revocable living trust, it's important to have Financial Powers of Attorney and an advanced Healthcare directive (living will). FPM provides these documents and others to help protect your estate and ensure your wishes are honored. Explore more through our on-demand seminar to learn what's best for you and your family's future.

POD (Payable on Death) and TOD (Transfer on Death) accounts can transfer assets directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate, but they come with limitations. For example, they don't work for minor children or grandchildren, and if a beneficiary passes away, their share may not automatically go to their heirs. For more flexibility in asset distribution, including for minors, a revocable living trust is a better solution.

If you move to a new state, your legally formed estate documents will typically be honored thanks to the rule of reciprocity. Just like your Texas driver's license is recognized in Oklahoma, your estate plan should remain valid across state lines. However, financial or legal professionals in your new state may recommend creating new documents. As members of Financial Planning Ministry (FPM), we maintain your documents and can assist you if needed, ensuring your estate plan continues to meet your needs wherever you are. Simply contact us for guidance.