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Christopher R. Hibbard, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®
Vice President, Wealth Management
Teachers Investment Services
Located at Teachers Federal Credit Union
5439 Sunrise Highway
Holbrook, NY 11741
Phone: 631-698-7000 Ext. 6020
Email: christopher.hibbard@lpl.com
CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning.
July/August 2026
Legacy Planning Can Get Sticky
Legacy planning often isn't discussed until it's almost too late. Here are six sticky pitfalls you might face and strategies to steer clear of them.
Lack of communication
Everyone has different expectations. You may assume family members are on the same page, but that's often not the case.Avoiding it: Host family discussions about your plans. Even if it feels awkward, sharing your intentions with your family can clarify expectations and minimize future disputes.
Not having the right documents
Without the right legal documents in place, your wishes might not be honored. Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are all essential tools in your estate strategy.Avoiding it: Consult with a knowledgeable professional to draft comprehensive documents tailored to your situation. Make sure you revisit them periodically—life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can all shift what you need.
Ignoring tax implications
Most people don't enjoy discussing taxes, but ignoring them can create problems. Estate taxes can take a hefty bite out of your legacy if you're not prepared.Avoiding it: To ensure more of your assets go to your loved ones instead of the IRS, explore strategies with a tax advisor to minimize your tax burden.
Unclear beneficiary designations
Life insurance policies and retirement accounts often have beneficiary designations that supersede wills. If you haven't updated these designations, they might not reflect your current wishes, leading to unintended consequences.Avoiding it: Regularly review and update your beneficiary designations, especially after major life changes.
Overlooking digital assets
Your online accounts, cryptocurrencies, and digital subscriptions all have value, and without a plan, they can get lost in cyberspace.Avoiding it: Create a list of your online accounts and their associated passwords. Share this with a trusted individual, and consider addressing these assets in your estate documents for clarity.
Failing to seek professional help
Many people think they can handle legacy planning on their own. But the laws surrounding it can be complex. One wrong move may lead to significant issues later. <b>Avoiding it: Don't underestimate the value of professional advisors. Work with yours to build a well-rounded plan that considers all aspects of your legacy.
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Christopher Hibbard is a financial advisor with, and securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU) and Teachers Investment Services are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Teachers Investment Services, and may also be employees of TFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of, TFCU or Teachers Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
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