Wills and estate planning
![Worried senior woman sitting on couch.](/-/media/project/pli/protective/learn/life-planning/_learn_social-security-widows-benefits.png?h=630&iar=0&w=1200&hash=1F1C326187FAFC45A22584A0DE2241E2)
Social Security widows benefits
Social Security can be a significant source of retirement income for many Americans and is calculated from what they earn when they are still working.
![Woman reflecting as she debates using her life insurance policy for terminal illness.](/-/media/project/pli/protective/learn/life-planning/_learn_3-ways-to-utilize-your-life-insurance-policy-for-terminal-illness_loss-grid_of_cards_3_col-15.jpg?h=200&iar=0&w=400&hash=986AFC5DAA9D37D452D18884777F51B2)
3 ways to utilize your life insurance policy for terminal illness
If you or someone you love is facing a terminal illness or serious disability, the following are three things you may be able to do with your life insurance policy.
![Father with his adult daughter as they discuss his decision of making his daughter his beneficiary.](/-/media/project/pli/protective/learn/life-insurance-basics/_learn_selecting-a-beneficiary-for-your-life-insurance-policy_other-defualt-56.png?h=200&iar=0&w=400&hash=A3C3AE1B5CF566EE802D2FC72918CD4C)
Choosing a life insurance beneficiary
You have options when choosing a beneficiary for your life insurance benefit - an individual or entity - as long as there is an insurable interest.
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Donating to charity in your last will and testament
There are three ways to give to charity when you die: a fixed sum, a named item or a percentage of assets after beneficiaries have been taken care of.
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Estate planning basics: The importance of updating your beneficiaries
It is important to keep beneficiary designations updated. A variety of life changes may impact who you need to have as your beneficiary.
![Woman rubbing forehead as she tries to find insurance policy information after the death of her loved one.](/-/media/project/pli/protective/learn/life-planning/learnlifeinsuranceclaimslocatingalifeinsurancepolicyafterthedeathofalovedonelossgridofcards3col27.jpg?h=200&iar=0&w=400&hash=53D721CA86E17129D1E9934F6559096E)
Finding a life insurance policy after death
Even if your loved one didn’t leave their documents in order, you can begin tracking policies with information in this article.
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Learn how to write a will with 3 examples
You know having a will is important in order to distribute your assets as you wish, but how do you start writing one? Refer to one of the websites listed below or use a skilled estate planning attorney.