Last year, I met with a long-time client and his wife, partners in life for more than 50 years. He is a business owner who worked incredibly hard to build what they had, but like many families, they never quite found the time to fully organize their financial and estate affairs.

During that meeting, one of the most important recommendations we made was simple but critical: ensure that beneficiary designations were properly updated on all accounts. At the time, several accounts had no beneficiaries listed at all.

Tragically, his wife passed away unexpectedly last year.

This week, I met again with my client at his home now a widower navigating grief, responsibility, and uncertainty all at once. One of the first things he shared was that they had followed through and updated their beneficiaries after our meeting. Hearing that mattered more than he likely realized. That single step helped avoid unnecessary probate costs and delays at a moment when emotional bandwidth is already stretched thin.

Now, the real work begins.
As we move forward, the focus shifts from reaction to intention, helping a grieving husband begin to put order around the life they built together. Some items were straightforward updates. Others are more complex and time sensitive.

He owns a 50% interest in a S-corporation and is 50% partner in another business. Today, those ownership interests are titled solely in his individual name. Without proactive planning, this structure could create probate exposure, business continuity challenges, and avoidable complications for both his family and his business partner down the road.

This is not about fear.
It’s about stewardship.

I am grateful I could be there, both before the loss and now, to help guide decisions that cannot wait too long, even when life feels paused. Planning during a season of grief is never easy, but done thoughtfully, it can be an act of care, for yourself and for the people who depend on you.

Life doesn’t wait for the “perfect time” to plan. If you’ve been meaning to review beneficiaries, ownership structures, or business succession—but haven’t yet—this is your sign to begin. Even one intentional step today can spare the people you love from unnecessary complexity later.

This is a hypothetical situation based on real-life examples. Names and circumstances have been changed. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.