This Thanksgiving, Give Your Loved Ones the Gift They'll Be Most Grateful For: Peace of Mind

This Thanksgiving, consider giving the people you love the lasting gift of estate planning — clarity, protection, and peace for the future.

Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pie — it’s time spent with those we love most. It’s a moment when we pause, count our blessings, and reflect on what matters.

This year, as you gather around the table, consider one of the most meaningful gifts you could leave your family: an estate planning strategy. Not a financial forecast or investment plan — but a thoughtful process to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Every year, millions of families find themselves navigating the complexities of probate court. In fact, state courts in the U.S. handle around 2.6 million probate cases annually. Without a proper estate plan, your assets — retirement accounts, bank accounts, real estate — may end up tied up in that process.

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are particularly vulnerable. When there’s no valid beneficiary designation, these accounts typically become part of your estate and may go through probate, with all its associated delays, costs, and stress during an already emotional time.

Worse still, some estimates say around $1 billion in retirement savings go unclaimed each year simply because account owners failed to designate (or update) beneficiaries. That’s money that could have helped your family — but instead becomes delayed or lost.

Even “average” estates — between $50,000 and $250,000 — often take 16 months or more to settle and may incur $10,000–$15,000 (or more) in legal and accounting fees. That’s a burden your loved ones don’t need.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

Estate planning is simply about making your wishes clear — and keeping your family out of unnecessary legal and financial complications. A complete plan can be straightforward and may include:

• A current will

• Updated beneficiary designations

• A trust, if appropriate

• Powers of attorney

• Healthcare directives

• Clear instructions for your assets and wishes

Taking these steps ensures your loved ones can focus on healing and remembering — not sorting through red tape.

A Thanksgiving Gift That Lasts

This Thanksgiving, consider giving a different kind of gift. One that lasts beyond the holiday season, beyond the year, and even beyond your lifetime: the peace of mind that estate planning provides.

If you haven’t reviewed your beneficiaries, will, or estate plan — or if major life changes (marriage, children, divorce, a new home, etc.) have occurred recently — now might be the perfect moment to do so.

From all of us at Alpha Financial, we wish you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving and peace of mind for the future.