Not quite. A will is important, but it’s only part of the plan.
A will is a good start—but it’s not a complete legacy plan. On its own, it doesn’t protect your assets from delays, taxes, or miscommunication. It’s like having a door without a lock: you’ve outlined your wishes, but there’s still plenty that can go wrong if it’s not reinforced.
✔ Outlines who inherits your assets
✔ Names guardians for minor children
✔ Designates an executor to carry out your wishes
But it doesn’t:
✘ Avoid probate
✘ Coordinate with beneficiary designations on accounts
✘ Account for incapacity or healthcare decisions
✘ Integrate tax and insurance strategies
✘ Prevent family disputes when assets are complex or emotions are high
✘ Address business succession or continuity
We’ve seen many cases where a client had a will… but still left a legacy mess. Why?
Because their beneficiary designations on retirement accounts conflicted with the will. Or their assets weren’t titled properly. Or they didn’t account for taxes.
We’ve even seen wills that named an executor who had passed away years ago—and no one noticed.
For business owners, the risk is even higher. Without a clear succession plan, business assets can become a legal and financial tangle, jeopardizing the company’s future and the livelihoods tied to it.
At Tandem, we help you go beyond the will:
We review and coordinate your legal documents with your financial structure.
We address tax implications with your CPA and estate attorney.
We integrate insurance to provide liquidity or income if needed.
We guide regular reviews so your plan stays aligned with your life.
We plan for your business—helping ensure continuity, value protection, and a smooth transition.
A strong legacy plan makes sure all the pieces talk to each other. It prevents oversights. It reduces stress for your loved ones. And it turns a basic document into a meaningful legacy.
Already have a will? Great. Now let’s make sure it’s part of a bigger, coordinated plan—including any business you’ve built.