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Estate Planning for Freelancers: Protecting What You Build

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Freelancers who build assets need a will, beneficiary designations, and a business continuity plan to protect what they have built.

By FlowFund TeamJune 28, 20263 min read

Why Freelancers Need Estate Planning More Than They Think

Without estate planning, your death creates chaos for your loved ones. Your assets go through probate (a slow, public, expensive legal process). Your wishes may not be honored. Business clients and relationships have no clear transition.

The Basic Estate Planning Documents

Will: Specifies who inherits your assets and, if applicable, who raises your children. Without a will, the court decides. Get a will.

Beneficiary designations: Retirement accounts, life insurance, and some bank accounts transfer outside your will through beneficiary designations. These override your will. Review and update after every major life event.

Durable power of attorney: Designates who makes financial decisions if you become incapacitated.

Healthcare proxy/medical power of attorney: Designates who makes medical decisions if you cannot.

Living will (advance directive): Specifies your wishes for end-of-life medical care.

Freelancer-Specific Considerations

Business continuity: What happens to your client relationships when you die? Designate someone to inform clients and manage the wind-down or transfer.

Digital assets: Passwords to accounts, software licenses, domain names, content libraries. Leave a secure record of these with a trusted person.

Intellectual property: Who inherits the rights to your creative work? Specify this explicitly.

Life Insurance

If anyone depends on your income, you need life insurance. Term life insurance (20-30 year term) is the most cost-effective option. A healthy 35-year-old can get $500,000 of coverage for $25-40/month.

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