Estate Planning 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Started

By Katie Katz, Attorney and Founder of Mitzi

I just spent a week at my family’s cabin in Minnesota—one of those places where time slows down and everyone ends up in a bathing suit and hoodie, sitting around the kitchen island, deep in conversation. Between swims, meals, and mosquito battles, I talked a lot about Mitzi. Relatives of every age cornered me:

“We’re so proud of you!”
“Tell me more!”
“I’ve been telling everyone I know who has money about your company!”

And that’s when I had to take a deep breath. Because here’s the thing:

Estate planning isn’t just for people who “have money.”

If you have a body, a brain, a bank account, a family, a pet, a business, a group chat, or even a favorite vintage bracelet —you need a plan..

What Is an Estate Plan, Really?

Forget everything you think you know about estate planning. In fact, let’s ignore the word “estate” entirely. It’s outdated, misleading, and frankly, kind of snobby.

Let’s rebrand it: Life and Legacy Planning.

Because that’s what it really is—it is the process of documenting your wishes and naming trusted people to carry them out during your life and beyond, so that if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself (temporarily or permanently), the right people can step in and help.

That might mean:

• Naming a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions if you’re in an accident

• Choosing someone to pay your bills if you’re hospitalized

• Writing a will to ensure your kids, your dog, or your digital life go to the right people

• Setting up a trust to avoid court or reduce confusion

• Leaving a letter to your people that says “this is who I am and what I care about”

And here’s what no one tells you: not doing it is still doing something because you’re letting the court, the state, or your relatives potentially decide on your behalf.

Who Actually Needs an Estate Plan?

Short answer: everyone over 18.

That includes:

• Parents of young children

• Caregivers

• Unmarried partners

• Blended families

• People with aging parents

If you think you’re “too young” or “don’t have enough” to plan for, here’s the truth: if you don’t make the decisions now, the state may make them for you later.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will?

If you don’t have a will or estate plan, the court and state laws may decide:

• Who raises your kids

• Who inherits your money and possessions

• Who makes medical decisions if you’re unable to

This process—called probate—can be slow, expensive, and stressful for the people you love. And probate is only the half of it.

What Happens If I Am Incapacitated or Unable to Make Decisions During Life?

If you don’t have an estate plan naming a trusted person to act on your behalf during life (and incapacity is statistically far more likely than an unexpected death), the court may decide who and how decisions are made on your behalf and how your funds are managed: which can lead to:

• Family conflict, especially if multiple parties feel entitled or suited to step in

• Delays in decisions making and access (both medical and financial), as courts can only act after formal hearings

• Gaps in care (for minor children, pets, and adults you may be responsible for), since decision-makers may be appointed slowly or not know your preferences

• Your wishes ignored or not known, leaving medical professionals or courts to act without guidance

What Documents Are Part of an Estate Plan?

Even a simple plan might include:

• Will – names guardians, conservators, directs assets

• Power of Attorney – lets someone handle finances if you can’t

• Healthcare Proxy – names someone to make medical decisions

• Living Will / Advance Directive – states your medical wishes

• (Optional) Trust – helps avoid court and keep things private

• Digital Assets Inventory – passwords, accounts, and digital life

Why Should I Care?

I get it—you’re busy building a life, not planning for the end of it. But estate planning isn’t about death. It’s about life.

It’s about:

• Keeping the people you love out of crisis

• Keeping your voice in the room, even when you can’t speak

• Making one of life’s messiest moments a little easier

And most importantly: it’s for anyone who wants to protect what matters most, no matter how much or how little that might be.

No One Taught You This—But That’s About to Change

Unless you have a lawyer in the family, a financial advisor, or you’ve been through something hard like a death or medical emergency, there’s no reason you’d know how this works. They don’t teach estate planning in school—but they should.

And let’s be honest—talking about death, illness, or “what if” scenarios isn’t exactly dinner party material. But here’s what I’ve found: once you open the door, people walk through it.

In my 1:1s with clients, focus groups, and conversations with future Mitzi users, the moment I bring up planning, something shifts. Everyone has a story. A question. A regret. These conversations are lively. They’re emotional. And once you give people permission to talk about the elephant in the room, the stories and concerns come pouring out.

That’s why I started Mitzi—because you deserve tools that are approachable, affordable, and actually help you take action. No legal jargon. No judgment. Just clear, smart support from someone who’s been there.

You Don’t Have to Do It All Today—Just Start

If you’ve made it this far, here’s your next small step:

✓Take our quiz to find out what planning documents you may actually need

✓ Forward this article to someone you love who thinks estate planning isn’t for them

✓ Bookmark this page—your future self will thank you

Planning is one of the most caring things you can do. Let’s make it easier - one small step at a time.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Mitzi is not a law firm, and we recommend consulting an attorney for personalized legal guidance.