Should I Start Thinking About End-of-Life Plans?

End-of-life planning is something many people tend to avoid thinking about, but it’s an essential part of securing peace of mind—not only for you but also for your loved ones. While the topic may feel uncomfortable, making these plans well in advance can prevent stress and confusion during an already difficult time. But when should people start creating their wills, updating their executors and beneficiaries, or even planning their funeral arrangements?

1. When Health Issues Arise: A Wake-Up Call

One of the most common times people begin to consider end-of-life planning is when they experience a serious health scare or diagnosis. A diagnosis of a terminal illness or even a chronic health condition often prompts individuals to start thinking about what will happen if their health deteriorates. For some, this may be a sudden wake-up call to get their affairs in order.

This period of reflection can lead to:

• Writing a will to ensure their assets are distributed as they wish.

• Designating a healthcare proxy who can make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.

• Choosing someone they trust to manage their estate and any financial affairs.

The urgency to make these decisions is often felt strongly when people realize that their future may be uncertain, and making plans in advance can give them a sense of control and security.

2. As People Approach Retirement: Planning for Peace of Mind

Retirement is another time when many people begin to think seriously about their will and end-of-life plans. As they enter their golden years and reflect on their accomplishments, many people also look at the legacy they’ll leave behind. During this stage of life, people often have more assets to consider—such as savings, homes, or businesses—and want to ensure that everything is in place before they enter the next phase of their life.

• Updating their will to reflect changes in their financial situation.

• Assigning or reassigning beneficiaries, especially if they’ve gone through major life changes like remarriage or the birth of grandchildren.

• Naming an executor who can execute the will after their death.

It’s also common for people to review their power of attorney documents during this time, ensuring that someone they trust can make legal or financial decisions for them if they’re unable to do so.

3. After Major Life Events: Marriage, Divorce, Births, and Loss

Life events like getting married, having children, going through a divorce, or losing a loved one are major milestones that can dramatically shift priorities, including the need to update end-of-life plans. For instance, after getting married, many people think about revising their will to include their new spouse or children, and if they’ve recently gone through a divorce, they might want to remove an ex-spouse as a beneficiary or executor.

Common updates during this phase include:

• Adding a spouse, children, or other relatives as beneficiaries or executors.

• Revising the will to reflect changes in assets or relationships.

• Adjusting health care directives based on new family dynamics or concerns.

Similarly, the death of a family member can prompt people to revisit their own estate plans to ensure they’re still relevant and up to date.

4. As People Hit Milestone Ages: 40s, 50s, and Beyond

People in their 40s and 50s are often at a point in life where they begin considering their long-term legacy, not only financially but also emotionally. Children may be nearing adulthood, assets are becoming more substantial, and there is often a growing awareness of mortality. This awareness may prompt individuals to start thinking more seriously about their will, funeral plans, and the type of legacy they want to leave behind.

• A comprehensive will can ensure that assets go to the right heirs, and having clear instructions can reduce the risk of family disputes.

• Making end-of-life preparations, like funeral arrangements, can alleviate burdens on surviving loved ones who might otherwise face the difficult task of making decisions during a stressful time.

At this age, people may also start considering whether their current executor is still the right person for the job, especially as they reassess relationships and responsibilities.

5. Pre-Need Funeral Planning: Paying for Your Funeral in Advance

Paying for funeral arrangements in advance is a growing trend, and people may start considering it at any age, though it's most common in the 50s and 60s. While some may prefer to leave funeral planning to their loved ones, others choose to plan and pay for it themselves to reduce the burden on their family. Pre-need funeral plans allow individuals to lock in current prices and ensure their wishes are followed, including preferences for burial, cremation, or memorial services.

Reasons people choose to prepay for funeral expenses include:

• Avoiding inflation and skyrocketing funeral costs in the future.

• Ensuring their wishes are met without burdening loved ones with the decisions.

• Reducing the emotional strain on family members, who may not know what the deceased would have wanted.

Having a detailed pre-need plan can give individuals comfort knowing that everything will be taken care of according to their wishes.

6. The Unexpected: When It’s Too Late

Sometimes, the decision to create a will or finalize end-of-life plans comes too late—after an unexpected accident, injury, or sudden illness. Unfortunately, for some people, this means they never have the chance to prepare. When a person dies intestate (without a will), the state decides how their estate is divided, and it’s possible that the assets may not go to the individuals they would have chosen.

However, it’s also true that even those who don’t formally write a will can have informal plans or directions that help guide their loved ones. Conversations about preferences for healthcare or burial options should ideally take place earlier rather than later to avoid confusion or disagreement.

7. Start Early, Update Regularly

While there’s no "perfect" age to start planning for the end of life, it’s clear that people tend to address these issues more seriously at certain junctures in their lives—whether after a health scare, at retirement, or following major life changes. The key takeaway is that end-of-life planning should be a continuous, evolving process. The decisions you make today may not be the same ones you make 10 or 20 years from now, so it’s important to update your will, healthcare directives, and funeral arrangements regularly.

Starting early and revisiting your plans ensures that your wishes are clear and legally binding, which can save your loved ones from unnecessary stress when the time comes.

Remember: It’s never too soon to plan ahead. The sooner you start, the more in control you’ll feel—providing not just peace of mind for you, but a legacy of thoughtful care for those you leave behind.

Final Thoughts

End-of-life planning isn’t just about the distribution of assets—it’s about ensuring that your wishes are honored and that your family is spared the burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief. By taking small steps today, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve set the groundwork for the future, and that those you care about will be taken care of when the time comes.

Disclaimer: We’re not legal or medical professionals, and the content here is based on our own experiences, research, and the expert advice we've received. Our goal is to offer helpful guidance to get you started on your end-of-life planning journey. We’re here to make those conversations a bit easier, and while we aim to provide reliable information, this blog is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. We always recommend consulting with a qualified legal and medical professional to finalize your plans.