Are Your Bags Packed and Ready? A Faithful Steward’s Guide to Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t just wise—it’s part of our calling to steward what God has entrusted to us. If the Lord called you home today, are your affairs in order?

Here are the basics:

Will – Your Final Instructions

• Names who gets what and who’s in charge

• Appoints guardians for minor children

• Only takes effect after death

• Goes through probate (public, slow, can be costly)

Trust – Your Plan for Now and Later

• Manages your assets during life and after death

• Avoids probate and keeps affairs private

• Gives control over how and when assets are distributed

• Can include clear boundaries (e.g., funds for college, not a Corvette)

Probate – The Court’s Process

• Legal process to settle your estate

• Happens if you die with only a will—or with no plan at all

• Can take months or years

• The state decides if no will or trust exists

Bottom Line

• A will is a good first step

• A trust offers more control, privacy, and peace of mind

• Doing nothing means the state decides—and the state doesn’t know your heart

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At BMA Financial, our desire is to assist you in becoming a better steward of God's resources. Please let us know how we can help you! Contact us today!

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Steve Crawley, PhD

BMA Financial

Executive Director