When talking about estate planning, people generally think about a will. A will is an essential part of estate planning, but it is only the beginning. A will expresses your wishes of asset disbursement after you pass on, but complete estate planning covers important items that may affect you while you are alive.

A living will is a good example of this. In the event that you are placed on a feeding tube, a living will can outline your wishes of what you would like your family to do. You may also have beneficiaries receive inheritance while you are still alive.