Big life changes come with a lot to think about, and financial planning tasks are easy to put off in the middle of it all. These checklists are meant as a starting point — not an exhaustive list — for some of the most common milestones.

New Parent Checklist

• Add or update life insurance to reflect your new dependent.
• Name a guardian for your child in your will.
• Update beneficiary designations to include the new child where appropriate.
• Consider starting a 529 education savings account.
• Review health insurance to make sure the child is properly added.

Newly Married Financial Checklist

• Update beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and annuities.
• Discuss whether to combine finances, keep them separate, or use a hybrid approach.
• Review each spouse’s existing insurance coverage for gaps or overlaps.
• Update your will (or create one if you don’t have one yet).
• Revisit joint financial goals, like a home purchase or debt payoff plan.

First Home Checklist

• Consider mortgage protection or term life insurance sized to your loan.
• Review homeowners insurance coverage and deductibles.
• Build or replenish an emergency fund for unexpected home repairs.
• Understand your property tax situation and any available homestead exemption.
• Update your budget to reflect new ongoing costs (maintenance, HOA fees, utilities).

Retirement Checklist

• Estimate essential monthly expenses and match them against guaranteed income sources.
• Decide on a Social Security claiming strategy.
• Review whether an annuity could help fill an income gap.
• Update beneficiary designations across all accounts.
• Review or create a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive.

Caring for Aging Parents Checklist

• Locate and organize important documents: wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies.
• Discuss long-term care preferences and how care would be funded.
• Confirm whether a durable power of attorney and healthcare directive are in place.
• Understand what benefits (Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits) they’re receiving or eligible for.
• Have an honest conversation about finances sooner rather than during a crisis.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist

• Make sure a valid, up-to-date will (and trust, if applicable) is in place.
• Review all beneficiary designations across insurance, retirement, and financial accounts.
• Organize final expense coverage or savings to avoid burdening family.
• Prepare a letter of instruction listing account locations, advisor contacts, and login information for loved ones.
• Discuss funeral and burial preferences with family in advance.

These checklists are educational and general in nature. They aren’t personalized financial or legal advice, and a will, trust, or power of attorney should be prepared with a licensed attorney.