By Kirby Ingles, Retired U.S. Army | Leadership & Wellness Coach | AO Globe Life Supervising Agent
When I retired after 26 years of service, I thought the hardest decisions were behind me. I’d led soldiers in combat zones, made split-second calls under pressure, and shouldered responsibilities most folks can’t imagine. But nothing quite prepared me for the decisions I had to make when it came to safeguarding my legacy—decisions about who would take care of my children, how my assets would be distributed, and how to make sure my family wouldn’t be left scrambling if something happened to me.
If you’re a Retired Service Member, estate planning isn’t a luxury—it’s a mission-critical operation.
Let’s break it down in plain English. Estate planning is the process of organizing your affairs so that your money, your property, and your personal wishes are handled the way you want when you’re gone or incapacitated. It’s not just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who cares about their family and wants to leave behind clarity—not chaos.
Mission Planning: The Basics
There are a few key components in every effective estate plan:
- Will or Trust: A will spells out how your assets will be distributed after death. If you’ve got kids, it also lets you name who should raise them. Trusts, meanwhile, offer more control—like shielding assets from creditors, providing tax benefits, and keeping things private and out of probate court.
- Power of Attorney (POA): If you’re ever unable to make decisions, a financial POA gives someone you trust the authority to handle your finances. Without this, your loved ones may have to go to court just to access your bank account or pay your bills.
- Healthcare Directives: A living will lays out your medical preferences—like whether or not you want to be kept alive on machines. A healthcare proxy designates someone to speak for you when you can’t. These documents protect your dignity and ensure your family isn’t guessing.
- Beneficiary Designations: These override your will, so make sure your life insurance, retirement accounts, and survivor benefits all have updated beneficiaries. If your ex-wife is still listed on your Thrift Savings Plan, you’ve got a problem. I’ve seen it happen.
Unique Considerations for Retired Soldiers
Our estate planning looks a little different than most civilians’. We’ve got military pensions, VA benefits, and potential SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) or DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) to think about. If you’re 100% service-connected like I am, there’s even more to consider.
Your surviving spouse and children may be eligible for:
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): This can provide a steady stream of income to your spouse after you pass. But you had to elect into this at retirement. If you opted out, it’s gone.
- VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): If your death is connected to a service-related disability, your spouse could qualify for this monthly tax-free benefit. It’s not automatic—they’ll have to apply.
- Burial & Memorial Benefits: You’ve earned them—make sure your family knows where to find your DD-214. Without it, they may face delays or lose access to what you’ve rightfully earned.
What About the Kids?
For those of us raising families—and I’ve got six kids ranging from toddlers to college-age—one of the most sobering parts of estate planning is naming guardians. If something happens to you and your spouse, who raises your children? A judge shouldn’t have to guess. Put it in writing. Talk to the people you trust. Confirm their willingness. Then make it legal.
You don’t want your children caught in a custody battle while grieving.
Don’t Forget Digital Assets
We live online now. If you have a business, email accounts, cryptocurrency, social media, or cloud-stored photos and documents—include instructions. Leave access information where it can be found. A safe with a list of logins or a password manager can make the difference between chaos and calm.
When Life Changes, So Should Your Plan
Estate planning isn’t a one-and-done mission. Revisit it when:
- You get married, divorced, or remarried
- A child is born or adopted
- You move to a new state
- Your health status changes
- You receive or lose benefits
- You start or sell a business
Every time life shifts, your plan should adjust with it. I review mine annually—on my birthday. One more candle on the cake, one more check on the plan.
Resources Worth Knowing
You don’t have to do this alone. There are resources built for us:
- VA Free Will Services: If you’re the beneficiary of SGLI, FSGLI, or VGLI, the VA offers free online estate planning tools: www.va.gov
- Military OneSource: Offers free legal consultations and education on estate planning for service members and retirees: www.militaryonesource.mil
- AO Globe Life: As an insurance producer working with veterans every day, I help families navigate the benefits maze and secure policies that provide peace of mind—especially when VA benefits fall short.
Final Thoughts
Most of us prepared for battle. We trained. We rehearsed. We had contingency plans. Estate planning is no different—it’s the final phase of leadership. Not planning isn’t just irresponsible—it’s selfish. Because when you’re gone, someone else will be left holding the weight of your decisions—or lack thereof.
As Retired Soldiers, our duty to our families didn’t end when we took off the uniform. It just shifted.
So take the time. Ask the hard questions. Make the decisions now, so your loved ones don’t have to.
Want help reviewing your benefits, understanding burial assistance, or requesting a Will Kit?
Protect your legacy. Honor your service. Lead your family well—even after you’re gone.