One client has an estate plan with an unfunded trust. Another has no idea what her beneficiary designations are. These are just two examples of estate planning mistakes that can lead to unexpected tax consequences or even asset transfers to the wrong individuals. How can you help?

As we watch political appointments unfold, some of your clients may wish to take more of a “wait and see” approach to their planning, as future tax legislation may seem uncertain. Although they may be reluctant to take action, however, the inability to predict future legislation should not curb your clients’ planning, and this is the opportune time to stress to them the importance of financial planning in uncertain times.

When clients come to your office to review their financial plans, including their plans for their estate, they may bring a general sense of what they want the plan to accomplish, a few outdated documents, and a belief that everything must be good for at least another five years. As a result, they often resist your efforts to check up on the health of their estate plan. Sound familiar?

Asset protection strategies can be used for a variety of purposes. Perhaps you have clients who work in high-risk professions. Others could be seeking divorce protection. Or perhaps they simply want to protect themselves against an unforeseen accident or unfortunate circumstance. But how can you help your clients decide which strategy best meets their needs?

Where did the year go? As year-end approaches, it’s a good time to follow a simple checklist to help your clients finalize their year-end planning. With that in mind, I’ve compiled 11 year-end planning tips to help your clients begin the new year with a fresh look at their financial plan.