Planning Ahead: Why Estate Planning Matters as You Approach Retirement

By Brad Davis, CIC (August 5, 2025)

At Davis Insurance Associates, our mission has always been simple – to help you protect what matters most. Whether it’s your home, your car, or your future, we strive to be your trusted source for personal insurance here in South Carolina, including Medicare options for individuals approaching retirement.

But protection doesn’t stop at an insurance policy. As you move into your golden years, it’s also a great time to think about estate planning and what steps you can take now to protect your assets and your loved ones down the road.

Why Estate Planning is Important

Many people assume that a will is all they need. But a well-thought-out estate plan can do much more than simply distribute your belongings. It can help you:

  • Minimize probate delays and costs

  • Protect your life savings from being used up on long-term care

  • Ensure your wishes are followed when it comes to healthcare and finances

  • Control how and when assets are passed on to your loved ones

  • Plan for potential tax consequences that could affect your estate or heirs

Timing Matters: Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care

One area that often surprises people is the timing involved in estate planning, especially when it comes to long-term care and nursing home planning. Certain types of accounts, trusts, or financial protections must be established five years in advance if you want to ensure they are fully protected under current Medicaid rules and other long-term care considerations.

If you or a loved one ever needs to enter a nursing home or assisted living facility, having these accounts and protections in place can be crucial to preserving your assets and ensuring quality care.

Don’t Ask Us the Legal Details—Ask a Qualified Estate Planning Attorney

While we’re happy to help with your insurance needs, estate planning is a legal matter that requires specialized knowledge. That’s why we recommend speaking with a qualified elder law or estate planning attorney.

One professional we trust and recommend is Bret Davis, a local elder law attorney who also happens to be my brother. After recently losing our mother, I saw firsthand how important it is to have your estate in order—and how valuable it is to have an expert who truly understands all the nuances of estate planning, taxes, and timing.

Meet Bret Davis, JD, CPA, LLM

Bret brings a rare combination of expertise as an Attorney, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and LLM in estate planning. He has helped many families in Myrtle Beach and across South Carolina create estate plans that are both smart and protective.

Here’s how you can reach him:

Bret H. Davis, JD, CPA, LLM
Davis Law Firm, P.A.
📍 1110 London St, Suite 201, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 843-839-9800
🌐 DavisLawCarolina.com

Of course, you are free to speak with any qualified estate planning attorney of your choice. But if you’re looking for someone who has helped families in our community, and our own family, I can confidently recommend Bret.

Estate Planning Can Affect Your Insurance Coverage

If you’ve recently created a Trust or moved major assets (such as your home) into an Estate or legal entity, it’s important to let us know. These changes can sometimes affect your insurance policies, and we want to make sure your coverage still aligns with your needs.

Our team at Davis Insurance Associates is always here to help you review your insurance and make updates as your life changes. Whether it’s your Medicare plan, homeowners insurance, or personal liability coverage, we’re happy to be your trusted advisor every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both insurance and estate planning are about peace of mind – knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect your family, your assets, and your future.

If you have questions about your insurance policies, or need help understanding how estate planning could impact your coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to help.

Thank you for trusting us to help protect what matters most.

Davis Insurance Associates
📍 Myrtle Beach, SC
📞 843-213-0000
🌐 thinkdavisinsurance.com

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Why Choose Davis Insurance Associates, Inc.?

If you’re looking for affordable and reliable insurance in South Carolina or North Carolina, Davis Insurance Associates, Inc. is your trusted local partner for personal and business insurance solutions.

We understand that every person, family, and business has unique risks. Whether you need home insurance, auto insurance, flood insurance, condo insurance, boat insurance, or business insurance, we’re here to help you find the right coverage – without the stress.

As an independent insurance agency, we work with many top-rated insurance carriers to compare quotes and deliver options that offer great protection at competitive prices. Unlike agencies that represent just one company, we shop the market for you – so you get custom insurance solutions tailored to your needs.

Fast, Simple, and Personalized Insurance Quotes

We know your time is valuable. That’s why we created a fast and secure online form (button below) that typically takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. This efficient process allows us to gather the essential information upfront – saving you from multiple back-and-forth calls and emails.

After you submit the form and share your current insurance policy details, we spend dedicated time reviewing your situation, shopping quotes, and designing coverage that protects what matters most to you. But don’t worry, we work fast!

We still value real conversations. We’ll gladly connect to talk through your needs, listen to your concerns, and make sure the insurance you choose is exactly right for your home, vehicle, business, or lifestyle.

What Sets Davis Insurance Associates Apart?

  • Independent insurance agency serving both South Carolina and North Carolina

  • Access to multiple insurance carriers for the best mix of price and coverage

  • Local knowledge with a personal, client-first approach

  • Fast, convenient online quote process

  • Experience in both personal and commercial insurance

If you’re ready to review your current policies or start fresh with a local expert, let Davis Insurance Associates help you make a smarter insurance decision. Get in touch today, and let’s find coverage that truly fits your needs and budget.

The next step is easy, call us at 843-213-0000, or click below to start your insurance quote

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