Planning for the People You Love:
Estate Planning Prepares Us for the Future

Aroostook Agency on Aging is excited to offer two free community sessions focused on estate planning, designed to help residents of all ages take meaningful steps to prepare for the road ahead.

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Why Estate Planning Matters—For Everyone

When people think about estate planning, they understand it provides a legal means of arranging for the management and distribution of assets in the event of one's death or incapacity. But it's really about much more than signing papers.  It’s about making intentional choices while you’re still able...choices that reflect your values, protect your independence, and support the people and causes that matter most to you.

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Without a plan in place, even basic decisions — like who manages your finances if you’re hospitalized or how your belongings are distributed after your death — can become sources of stress, confusion, and even conflict among loved ones.

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Here in Aroostook County, where many of us hope to pass down family land, support adult children, or help grandchildren get a head start, estate planning is also about preserving family legacy and making the most of what we’ve built, even on modest means.

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Busting Myths about Estate Planning

Contrary to what many people believe, it’s not just for the wealthy or for people who are older. In fact, one of the most important steps any adult can take — especially young parents, caregivers, or those with changing health — is creating a basic estate plan.

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Many people think that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but it's not! Estate planning is for everyone over the age of 18, regardless of income or assets. While high-net-worth individuals may use estate planning to reduce taxes, most people use it to document healthcare decisions and appoint someone to manage finances in the event of incapacity; ensure care of minor children; and protect a home or other important family property.

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Similarly, estate planning is not just for older people.  Accidents and illness can happen at any age. Without the right documents in place, even close family members may not be able to access medical records or manage bills on your behalf. Every adult should have: a healthcare proxy; a living will or advance directive; HIPAA release; financial power of attorney; and a basic will.

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Estate planning can be affordable.  Many people worry about the cost of creating an estate plan, but creating a simple estate plan is often affordable — and is much less costly than the legal battles and delays that can occur when no plan exists. Some documents are available online for a low fee, and community programs (like our sessions this month!) can help you learn what’s necessary before you pay a professional.

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Your assets will not automatically go to your family.  Without a will or trust, the state will decide who receives your property — and it may not be who you would have chosen. The process can be lengthy, expensive, and stressful for your family.

 

Even if you made a will years ago, it's important to revist your plans from time to time. Estate planning is not one-and-done. Plans should be reviewed every few years, especially after major life events like a marriage, divorce, birth, death, new job, or home purchase.

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Free Community Events to Help You Get Started

To help make estate planning feel less overwhelming—and more empowering—the Agency’s Foundation has partnered with legal and financial professionals to offer two upcoming sessions. Each one is free and open to the public, with preregistration required to attend in person or via Access Point locations throughout the region.

Estate Planning Part 1: Legal Considerations

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 10:00 – NOON
Available in person or at your nearest Access Point

Hosted by Community Ambassador Ginny Joles, this first session brings together seasoned experts Richard C. Engels, retired attorney, and Bennett D. Cassidy, Esq. from Cassidy Legal Services LLC to help you understand what documents are essential, how Maine law affects your plans, and what steps to take now to gain peace of mind later. Their presentation will cover:

• Disability Planning – Who will make decisions for you if you’re unable to? How do powers of attorney and advance directives work?

• Medicaid Planning – How can you protect your home or assets if you ever need long-term care?

• Estate Planning Strategies – What tools are available to help you pass along your property, minimize confusion, and reduce the burden on your loved ones?

Estate Planning Part 2: Financial Considerations

Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St., Presque Isle
Also available via Access Points across the County

This second session takes a practical look at the financial tools that can help you build a lasting legacy. Elise Browning, MBA, PhD, a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial, will offer real-world strategies for:

• Protecting and Transitioning Investment Accounts – What happens to your retirement or brokerage accounts when you pass away, and how can you make it easier for heirs?

• Using Life Insurance to Multiply Wealth – How can you use insurance as a vehicle to provide financial support across generations?

• Tax-Efficient Giving – What steps can you take now to start gifting assets to family members or charities in ways that reduce tax burden?

 

📞 To register for either session, call 764-3396 or 1-800-439-1789 and ask about in-person or remote attendance options.

A Gift for the Next Generation

At the end of the day, estate planning is an act of love. It’s a gift to your children, your grandchildren, your community. It ensures that they won’t have to guess about your wishes. That your resources will go where they’re needed. That the people you care about are supported even after you’re gone.  It's never too early to start planning for your future – and for that of future generations.

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