Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Many employees do not realize that they are performing important estate planning tasks when electing beneficiaries for life insurance as well as retirement plans such as 401(k) and pensions. Estate planning provides a plan for any assets one has. In fact, estate planning knowledge is becoming a necessity for the growing number of baby boomers designated as executors of their aging parents' estates.

It is important to understand the basics of estate planning, make important decisions, and put a plan into action such as setting up wills and trusts. In addition, it is essential to continually review and update those documents as well as your beneficiary designations after major life changes occur.

This content module will help you attain a greater understanding of estate planning in general. Select from the topics listed at the left.