Planning with purpose: Moving your plans forward

Now is a great time to reflect, plan and take on the things we’ve been meaning to address but haven’t yet made time to complete. For many of us that includes preparing for the future — whether it’s planning for retirement, prioritizing our health or making sure our families are supported. While financial and estate planning are common items on our to-do lists, the hardest part is often simply taking the next step.

Here are a few questions that may help you move your planning forward:

Life changes that may require an update

  • Have there been changes in your marital status?
  • Have children or grandchildren been born?
  • Have loved ones died?
  • Has your health changed in ways that may affect your plans?

Ensuring loved ones are protected

  • Does your will provide for the care of any minor children or pets?
  • Does it take into account the needs of loved ones with special circumstances?
  • Have you selected a capable executor and considered ways to minimize taxes?

Planning for health care decisions

  • Do you have a health care proxy?
  • Have you provided clear instructions in the event you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself?

Understanding what you’ll need for the future

  • How much of your savings will you need, and when?
  • Will your income support the lifestyle you envision in retirement?

Supporting the people and causes important to you

  • How do you want to care for the people who mean the most to you?
  • Have you considered how you’ll support the organizations and communities that have been important in your life?

When you create or review your plans, you have an opportunity to consider the legacy you want to leave — not only for your family and friends, but also for the causes that reflect your values. Through the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation, you can support areas such as patient care, life-changing research, medical education and programs that improve the health of communities across South Carolina.

If reviewing your finances or updating your retirement plans is on your to-do list this year, we are here to help. We can work with you and your advisers to explore creative strategies that support your future, your loved ones and the MUSC priorities that matter to you.