The spring season brings us flowers, warmer weather, more time outside, and of course, tax season. Although not often celebrated, tax season does serve as a good reminder to make sure your affairs are in order. Take some time to reflect, plan, and finish the things on the to-do list from last year that never got done.

For some of us, that to-do list may include planning for the future, whether that be for retirement, our health, or for our family’s needs. While finances and the future are on many lists, sometimes the hardest part is taking that next step.

Here are some ideas you might consider to help move your planning forward.

• What has changed in your life? Consider marital status, children or grandchildren that have been born or loved ones have passed, a health condition that has changed?
• Does your will arrange for the care of any minor children or pets? Does it provide for any special needs your loved ones may have? Does it minimize taxes and name a capable executor to oversee your affairs?
• Do you have a health care proxy? Have you given directions to be followed in case you become incapacitated and can’t make decisions for yourself?
• How much of your savings will you need? When will you need it? Will your income maintain the lifestyle you envision?
• How will you support the people and causes important to you? Have you considered the right plan to make your goals a reality?

When you create or review your plans, you have an opportunity to consider gifts to the community as well as your family and friends. What charities have been the most important to you in your life? By naming them as beneficiaries of a bequest or trust, you can lock in a family legacy of philanthropy for the causes that mean the most to you.