Young professionals are often encouraged to think about retirement. When you’re in the early stages of building a career it’s natural to start by focusing on maxing out your 401(k), opening an IRA, or participating in a company’s deferred compensation plan. But there’s another layer that’s often overlooked: legally protecting your assets and aligning them for the long run. That’s where estate planning comes in.

Retirement planning is more than your retirement accounts. Estate planning comes with many options, rules, tax implications, and beneficiary designations that can affect how your money is distributed if something unexpected were to happen. If your retirement savings aren’t coordinated with your broader plan or you don’t have one, you might unintentionally create complications or reduce the impact of your hard-earned assets.

Working with an attorney to integrate your retirement plan into a larger estate strategy isn’t just something for older adults. Starting early gives you the advantage of time and flexibility to help you make smarter choices as your financial picture grows. It’s about making sure your future plans and what you care about are protected.