The holidays are here, and while December is filled with gift-giving, celebrations, and cozy moments at home, it’s also the perfect time to think ahead. As the year wraps up, a few small planning steps can make a big difference in protecting your family’s future… long after the decorations are packed away.
To make it fun, we put together the 12 Days of Future Planning: a cheerful, easy list you can work through one day at a time (or all at once with a cup of hot cocoa ). Each step is simple, impactful, and designed to give your family the peace of mind they deserve.
Day 1: Review Your Beneficiaries
Life changes… marriages, divorces, children, new relationships etc. and your beneficiary designations should reflect those changes. Take a few minutes to review beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and savings plans. Don’t have life insurance or not sure what a beneficiary is? No problem! You can meet with a licensed life insurance agent at no cost for a quick consultation!
Day 2: Check Your Life Insurance Coverage
Ask yourself: Does my current coverage still match my family’s needs?
If you’re unsure, you can always request a no-cost life insurance consultation to help you understand what kind of protection is best for your family. Life can change in an instant… and life insurance is how you make sure your family can keep living the life you’ve worked so hard to give them. If something were to happen to you, the right coverage can help your loved ones stay in the same home, keep up with bills, continue their education, and maintain their current lifestyle without sudden financial stress. It’s not about preparing for the worst… it’s about protecting the people who mean the most, no matter what tomorrow brings.
Day 3: Request Your No Cost Last Will and Testament Kit
Having a legal will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s future. It ensures that your wishes are clearly documented, your loved ones know exactly what you wanted, and important decisions aren’t left to chance or placed on their shoulders during an already difficult time. If you’’re unsure where to begin, a will making kit can make the process easier by providing simple, step-by-step guidance so you can get everything organized without feeling overwhelmed. It walks you through what to include, how to structure your decisions, and what to consider… giving you confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
👉 If you don’t have one yet, this is the time.
Day 4: Organize Important Documents
Create one safe, accessible place for:
You’ll feel lighter instantly… and so will the loved ones who may need access one day.
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Insurance policies
Guardianship documents
Emergency contacts
You’ll feel lighter instantly… and so will the loved ones who may need access one day.
Day 5: Create or Update Your Family Emergency Plan
Did anyone else just watch All Her Fault? If that didn’t make you think about how quickly things can go sideways – nothing will. It’s a good reminder that having a clear plan isn’t overreacting… it’s being prepared. And if you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it!
When creating a family emergency plan, you want to think about:
- Who picks up the kids?
- Where you meet in an emergency?
- Who has copies of important information?
A 5-minute conversation today becomes invaluable later. When everyone knows the plan, it reduces panic, confusion, and stress during moments when every second matters. It also ensures that no matter where each family member is, they know exactly what to do and who to contact. A simple update now can make all the difference when your family needs clarity and direction most.
Day 6: Start (or Revisit) a Savings Plan
Whether it’s a 529 college savings plan, a rainy-day fund, or a future family goal, now is the perfect time to start fresh or adjust your contributions. Even small, consistent amounts add up over time and can make a big difference when your family needs support later on. Reviewing your savings strategy also helps ensure you’re moving toward the life you want — not just reacting to whatever comes your way. Think of it as checking the financial “weather forecast” for your family so you can stay prepared, protected, and on track for the future you’re building together.
Day 7: Secure Digital Passwords & Accounts
Use a trusted password manager like 1Password or LastPass to store important logins. You can even designate emergency access for a loved one.
Day 8: Review Your Budget Before the New Year
Holiday spending adds up. A quick budget check helps you walk into January feeling clear, grounded, and ready to start strong. It’s also a chance to spot any subscriptions, extra expenses, or seasonal splurges that may have slipped through the cracks. When you take a moment to realign your finances now, you’re giving your future self a smoother, less stressful start to the new year – and setting the tone for more intentional money habits ahead.
Day 9: Back Up Photos, Documents & Memories
Your memories matter. Upload them to cloud storage or an external drive so they stay protected – no matter what devices fail or get replaced. Taking a few minutes to back up photos, videos, and important documents means you won’t lose the moments that mean the most. It’s one of those small tasks that pays off in a big way, ensuring your family’s story stays safe, organized, and easy to revisit for years to come.
Day 10: Talk to Loved Ones About Your Wishes
It doesn’t have to be heavy. A casual conversation over cocoa can go a long way in giving clarity and strengthening trust within your family. You can gently bring up things like where important documents are kept, who to contact in an emergency, or what your wishes would be in certain situations. You might even talk about future goals… like saving for a home, planning for college, or making sure everyone knows where passwords and account info are stored. Simple, honest check-ins like these help everyone feel more prepared and connected.
Day 11: Update Your Home Inventory
Take pictures or videos of valuable items for insurance purposes. It only takes 10 minutes but can make a world of difference if something unexpected happens.
Day 12: Celebrate Your Progress!
You just completed 12 small steps that make a huge impact on your family’s future.
Take a breath, feel proud, and enjoy the season knowing you’ve put meaningful protections in place.
Future planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming… in fact, it can be done one small task at a time, just like the 12 days of Christmas. This season, give your loved ones something priceless: clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
And if you’re ready to take the most important step toward protecting your family, don’t forget to request your No Cost Last Will and Testament Kit today.
