From Overwhelmed to Organized: A 2026 Monthly Action Plan for Your Estate Plan

From Overwhelmed to Organized: A 2026 Monthly Action Plan for Your Estate Plan

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

January 2, 2026

There is an old African proverb that reminds us: 'The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.' For many of my clients, estate planning feels like that elephant—massive, immovable, and frankly, a bit overwhelming. But you don't have to protect your entire legacy in a single afternoon; you just need a steady appetite for progress. In this post, we’ve broken down the 'elephant' into twelve manageable monthly bites to help you complete your plan by the end of 2026.

Image by M. Gustafson Gervasi, 2026

January: The Discovery Phase

Start the year by gathering any existing estate documents and taking a "lay of the land." Identify what is currently in place and, more importantly, what is missing or outdated to set a clear baseline for the months ahead.

February: Choosing Your Advocates

Identify the people you trust to make decisions on your behalf, including your Power of Attorney for healthcare and finances. Reviewing your executors and trustees ensures that the individuals you’ve chosen are still willing and able to serve in those critical roles.

March: Spring Cleaning for Documents

Use the change of season to clear out physical clutter and organize your vital records. Discard outdated drafts and ensure your current legal documents are stored in a secure, accessible location known to your family.  Go farther and embrace Swedish Death Cleaning -- purge unwanted items, from photographs to furniture.  A cluttered home slows down selling a personal residence or cleaning out an apartment. 

April: The Tax Trail

Following tax season, document your latest filings and update your list of active financial professionals. Providing your heirs with a clear "who’s who" of your CPAs and advisors is an essential map for settling an estate.

May: Asset and Liability Inventory

Create a simple, high-level inventory of everything you own and everything you owe. This snapshot of your assets and liabilities is the most practical tool you can provide a future personal representative to prevent assets from going unclaimed and for an efficient closing of your estate.

June: Protecting Your Furry Family

June is National Pet Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to include pets in your emergency and estate plans. Create a "Go Kit" with medical records and formalize a long-term care plan so your pets are never left behind in a crisis.

July: Guardianship for the Next Generation

If you have minor children or dependents, take this month to officially identify or reaffirm their legal guardians. This is the most vital step any parent can take to ensure their children are raised by the people they choose, rather than by a court's decision.

August: Beneficiary Review

Review the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts and life insurance policies. These forms are legal contracts that often override your Will, so it is crucial that they reflect your current intentions and family structure.

September: A Letter to Your Executor

Write a personal "Letter of Instruction" to your executor or personal representative to supplement your legal documents. Use this to explain the "where and how" of your estate, providing them with the context and guidance they need to fulfill your wishes.  Current contact information for your professional advisors as well as those named in your will or trust make the process of handling final affairs more efficient.

October: Final Arrangements

In the spirit of the season, take the "mystery" out of your final send-off by documenting your burial or cremation preferences. Sharing these decisions now relieves your loved ones of the immense emotional and financial burden of guessing your wishes during a time of grief.

November: Defining Your Legacy

As the season of giving begins, consider if philanthropy has a role in your estate plan. Whether it is a small gift to a local non-profit or a formal charitable trust, November is the time to decide how you want to support the causes you value.

December: Digital Declutter

End the year with "Digital Declutter December" by organizing your online life, from subscriptions to photo libraries. Ensure your digital executor has a path to access your accounts, allowing you to start 2027 with a clean, secure, and fully organized legacy.

Making a plan now, at the dawn of 2026, you will be able to look back at the end of 2026 and realize that the 'elephant'—the task that felt so immovable back in January—is finally gone. Estate planning doesn't have to be overwhelming if you break it down into manageable steps. By taking these twelve steady steps throughout 2026, you’ve done more than just check off a list; you’ve built a lasting legacy of protection for the people you love most.

Remember that a blog is not legal advice; it is meant to spark thought and reflection. Always seek counsel from an attorney licensed in your home state.  If you found this post helpful, consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform. Be well, and thank you for reading!