My husband's family is Irish. I feel in my bones that their Irish luck will rub off on me and I will somehow find my pot-of-gold. Or maybe just win a Final Four pool.

When I think about luck, however, I realize that planning for life is much better than just leaving

everything to chance. Here are seven steps to take action instead of leaving your estate up to a judge.

A beneficiary form instructs an institution to whom to distribute assets at your death. Update these forms after life events such as death, divorce, and remarriage.

Fill out a Payable on Death (POD) or Transfer on Death (TOD) form for your financial accounts. Many financial institutions do not proactively offer this option when you set up your account. You need to ask.

Life insurance is not for you. It is for your family. My dad died when I was 19 and his insurance helped me finish college. I was lucky my dad planned ahead to protect me.

Statistics show burial or cremation services cost 2-3 times more when a decedent does not pre-plan because their family then buys these services on emotion. Save them time and money by pre-planning.

Create a comprehensive Will that names who will raise your children if something should happen. You are not protecting your children by leaving that decision to a trial judge.

A properly funded Revocable Living Trust can ensure your family will not go through the probate court if you are incapacitated or when you die, and can provide asset protection to your beneficiaries at your death.

7. Talk to your family.

When you take these steps, remember to tell your family. All the pre-planning in the world does no good if surviving family members cannot find the proper documents or do not know your wishes.

Contact Becky and her team at Cholewka Law at 480-497-3770 or visit www.gilbertlawoffice.com for more information.