Category: INSIGHTS

Not all critical roles in estate planning wait until death to take effect. Two key documents—the Healthcare Power of Attorney (sometimes called a Health Care Proxy or Advance Directive) and the Durable Financial Power of Attorney—let you appoint an agent to act on your behalf during your lifetime. While you are capable, you remain in […]

When creating an estate plan, much of the focus tends to be on “who gets what.” But just as critical is who makes it all happen. That’s the role of the Executor—the person (or institution) appointed in a Will to administer an estate after someone passes. The choice of Executor carries significant weight. Not only […]

Financial literacy is evolving. It’s no longer confined to in-person seminars, dense brochures, or scheduled advisor meetings. Today, consumers (especially Gen Z and Millennials) are learning in short bursts, through interactive content, on their own time. They turn to TikTok explainers for quick breakdowns, YouTube walkthroughs for how-to knowledge, and Reddit threads for shared experiences. […]

Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are known, and their family isn’t left guessing. But what happens when someone passes away without a will? Dying without a will (known legally as “dying intestate”) means state law decides who inherits your assets. That often leads to confusion, […]

Estate planning is crucial to securing a member’s legacy, but it often feels like a daunting task. Each asset—whether real estate, investments, or retirement savings—needs to be carefully considered to ensure the individual’s wishes are met. For community banks seeking a more efficient, comprehensive solution to this challenge, the OneDigitalTrust platform offers a powerful tool […]

As CUInsight’s article “Credit Unions: Demography is Destiny” points out, America’s shifting demographics are not just interesting trends—they’re calls to action. For credit unions, it’s time to reimagine how to stay relevant in a landscape shaped by aging Boomers, digitally fluent Millennials, and increasingly diverse communities. One of the most underleveraged ways to do that? […]

Watching parents age comes with many emotions, but ensuring they have the right legal and financial protections in place can bring peace of mind for the entire family. Waiting until a crisis occurs can make decisions more stressful and complicated. Taking proactive steps now ensures their wishes are honored and their financial future is secure. […]

Spring is a season of renewal—a perfect time for financial institutions and advisors to help clients and members refresh their estate plans. Just as people declutter their homes, reviewing wills, beneficiaries, and power of attorney designations ensures financial plans stay current and aligned with life changes. With digital tools like the OneDigitalTrust platform, updating an […]

The financial services landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and institutions that wait for change to happen before adapting risk falling behind. As pointed out in the article “Meeting the future before it arrives,” the key to long-term success is anticipating the future—rather than reacting to it. For credit unions, banks, and financial advisory […]

Effective estate planning isn’t just about drafting documents—it’s about ensuring your loved ones and key decision-makers understand your wishes. One of the biggest reasons estate plans fail is the lack of communication. Even the most well-prepared legal documents can create confusion, delays, and disputes if they’re not properly shared with the right people. For financial […]