In partnership with
Hey Coach,
Most coaches spend decades building wealth.
But very few spend time protecting it.
Without a plan, taxes, probate, and legal delays can quietly reduce what your family receives - or create stress during an already difficult time.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy.
It’s about protecting your team after the final buzzer.
What Estate Planning Really Means
Estate planning answers one simple question:
What happens to your money when you’re gone?
Your plan determines:
Who receives your assets
How quickly they receive them
How much goes to taxes
Whether courts get involved
Whether your family avoids unnecessary stress
No plan = the government decides.
Estate Taxes: Who Should Care?
Many coaches assume estate taxes only affect billionaires.
That’s not always true.
Federal Estate Tax (2026 Reality)
Large exemption (millions per person)
Most families won’t owe federal estate tax today
But laws change - exemptions can shrink
State Estate Taxes
Some states impose their own estate taxes with much lower thresholds.
Planning matters - especially long-term.
Coaching Parallel
You wouldn’t run a season without a game plan.
Why leave your life’s work without one?
Estate planning = defensive strategy for your wealth.
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Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.
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What Is Probate (And Why People Avoid It)?
Probate = court process for distributing assets.
It can involve:
Legal costs
Delays
Public records
Stress for family
Proper planning can help assets transfer faster and more privately.
The Basic Estate Planning Starting Five
Every coach should understand these five tools:
1. Will
States who receives your assets
Names guardians for children
Foundation of any plan
But a will alone may not avoid probate.
2. Beneficiary Designations (Huge One)
Applies to:
403(b)s
457 plans
IRAs
Life insurance
These override your will.
Many people forget to update them.
3. Power of Attorney
Allows someone to manage finances if you cannot.
Without it → courts may decide.
4. Healthcare Directive
Specifies medical decisions and preferences.
Removes burden from family.
5. Trusts (Advanced Planning Tool)
More control, more protection, more planning options.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal structure that holds assets for beneficiaries.
Think of it as:
A rulebook for how your money is managed and distributed.
A trust can:
Avoid probate
Reduce taxes (in some cases)
Control when heirs receive money
Protect assets from misuse
Provide privacy
Common Types of Trusts
Revocable Living Trust
Most common starting point
Avoids probate
Flexible and changeable
No immediate tax benefits
Good for organization and efficiency.
Irrevocable Trust
Permanent structure
Potential tax advantages
Strong asset protection
Less control
Used in advanced planning situations.
Trusts for Children or Grandchildren
Control timing of distributions
Protect from poor financial decisions
Provide long-term structure
Protects family wealth across generations.
Why Planning Early Matters
Estate planning is easier when:
You’re healthy
Laws are favorable
You have time to structure assets
Waiting limits options.
Early planning expands flexibility.
When Trust Planning Makes More Sense
You may want to explore trusts if you:
Own significant retirement assets
Own real estate
Have a blended family
Want privacy
Want to control how heirs use money
Want to reduce future tax exposure
Want to protect multi-generational wealth
This is where professional guidance helps.
The Wealth4Coaches Philosophy
Estate planning is not about:
Fear
Complexity
Extreme wealth
It’s about:
Control
Clarity
Protection
Family stability
Financial discipline doesn’t stop at retirement.
Your 30-Minute Action Plan
This week:
Check beneficiary designations
Confirm you have a will
Review account ownership
Talk with spouse/family
Consider meeting an estate attorney
Simple steps. Massive impact.
Final Whistle
You worked hard to build your wealth.
Protect it with intention.
Plan ahead.
Protect your family.
Control the outcome.
Because the ultimate win is taking care of your team - even when you’re not on the court.
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Coach Mike Klinzing
Founder, Wealth4Coaches
"Coach smarter. Save better. Live freer."
