A good place to start is with the “Four Ps”.

1. List the people you would like to provide for in your plans. You may wish to include charitable interests.
2. List the property you own and any income it produces. Include investments, real estate, retirement plan funds, and life insurance assets, as well as personal property.
3. Your plans will begin to take shape as you consider how you wish to use your property to provide for the people on your list. Study your property list carefully, looking for opportunities to match the needs of each person.
4. List the planners you will need to help you—your attorney, accountant, financial planner, banker and/or others. Consider asking your most trusted advisor to help coordinate the process.