Financial Answer Center Financial Answer Center > Planning Your Estate Estate Planning Understanding the Basics What Is Estate Planning? Why Estate Planning Is So Important Some Basic Estate Tax Concepts The Applicable Exclusion Amount How Big Is Your Estate? Steps You Should Take in Planning Your Estate Now Is the Time to Act Estate Planning Checklist Critical Decisions Introduction Name a Guardian Name an Executor Who Gets What? Hold On or Give it Away? Write It Down Property Title Issues Important Legal Documents Introduction Let the World Know Your Desires: Prepare a Will Using Trusts to Help Protect Assets Letter of Instruction Durable Power of Attorney Living Will Medical Durable Power of Attorney What Happens After You Die Probating the Estate A Living Trust When You Don't Have a Will Estate and Gift Taxes Introduction Basics of Estate Taxes Estate-Applicable Credit Amount Gift Tax State Death Taxes and Gift Tax How Life Insurance Is Included in Your Estate Planning Steps for Your Estate Provide for Your Loved Ones Get a Will and Other Documents Prepared High Net Worth - Estate Tax-Saving Strategies to Consider Saving Estate Taxes for a Married Couple Getting Life Insurance Out Of Your Estate Consider a Basic Gifting Program Trusts Understanding Trusts Qualified Personal Residence Trust Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust (QTIP) Grantor Retained Annuity Trust Wealth Replacement Trust Charitable Remainder Trust Charitable Lead Trust Charitable Gift Annuity Glossary Estate Planning Glossary Worksheet: What's Your Estate Worth? Worksheet: Your Estate Wishes Find Someone To Help Connect with a Financial Advisor Free Quick Guides Wills, Trusts & Probate Understanding Estate Taxes Additional Guides Your Financial Checklist Create Checklist