As 2025 approaches, financial institutions and advisors are setting growth goals and looking for ways to deepen client engagement. While investment and retirement strategies often take center stage, this year, estate planning should be part of every client conversation.
Estate planning has shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a critical element of holistic financial planning. Clients expect more comprehensive support, and financial institutions that prioritize estate planning in 2025 will strengthen relationships, increase retention, and position themselves as full-service financial partners.
Here’s how to prepare for impactful estate planning conversations in 2025.
Why 2025 is the Year of Estate Planning
Rising Client Demand: Clients want to protect their families, ensure their legacies, and reduce burdens on loved ones. Proactive estate planning meets this growing need.
Shifting Client Demographics: Millennials and Gen X are building wealth and inheriting assets. They prefer tech-enabled, self-service financial tools — including estate planning platforms.
Economic & Regulatory Changes: Adjustments to tax laws or estate tax thresholds prompt clients to review their plans. Financial institutions that stay ahead of these changes build trust and credibility.
Advisor-Client Loyalty: Offering estate planning strengthens relationships and establishes financial institutions as holistic, long-term partners.
3 Strategies to Make Estate Planning a Priority in 2025
1. Integrate Estate Planning Into Client Reviews
The new year is prime time for client reviews. Use these check-ins to introduce estate planning as a key part of the client’s financial health.
Tips to Do It:
- Review Beneficiary Designations: Encourage clients to review and update beneficiaries on their financial accounts.
- Discuss Milestones: Use key life events like marriage, new children, or retirement to trigger estate planning discussions.
- Use Alerts & Prompts: Platforms like OneDigitalTrust alerts clients and advisors about important milestones that require plan updates.
2. Offer Easy-to-Use Digital Estate Planning Tools
Clients expect modern, tech-driven solutions — and estate planning is no exception. Offering a platform like OneDigitalTrust allows clients to create wills, assign powers of attorney, and name guardians online.
Why This Matters:
- Simplified Process: Clients can complete key estate planning tasks without needing a legal expert.
- On-Demand Access: Clients can update their estate plans as life changes.
- Innovation Differentiates You: Offering a sleek, tech-enabled experience differentiates your institution from competitors still using manual processes.
3. Financial Institutions can Train Advisors to Start the Conversation
Advisors sometimes avoid estate planning discussions, thinking they’re too personal or complex. But when framed properly, these conversations feel natural.
Tips to Do It:
- Ask Better Questions: Instead of “Do you have a will?” try, “Have you thought about who would manage your finances if something unexpected happened?”
- Leverage Milestones: When a client retires, buys property, or welcomes a child, it’s the perfect moment to discuss estate planning.
- Use Real-Life Stories: Share examples of well- known figures (like Prince or Aretha Franklin) whose estates were caught in lengthy legal battles due to poor planning.
Ring in 2025 with Stronger Client Relationships
As clients make New Year’s resolutions for health, wealth, and family well-being, estate planning should be part of the conversation. By integrating it into client reviews, offering simple digital tools, and training advisors, financial institutions can position themselves as comprehensive financial partners.
With tools like OneDigitalTrust, estate planning becomes accessible, simple, and client-friendly. Don’t wait until mid-year to make it a focus. Start in January — and give your clients the ultimate gift of peace of mind for the future.
Here’s to a successful 2025 filled with growth, client engagement, and stronger relationships.
