Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many overlook how military benefits intersect with real estate and estate planning. Whether you used a VA loan or are looking to pass your legacy to your children, here are critical steps to ensure your plan is as disciplined as your service. 1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans If you bought your home with a VA-backed loan, you can generally transfer it into a Living Trust without triggering a "due-on-sale" clause, provided it remains your primary residence. This allows your family to avoid probate—the long, expensive court process of proving ownership after you pass. 2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions Illinois offers significant property tax breaks for disabled veterans. However, these don't always "travel" automatically. If you move your home into a trust, ensure your attorney includes specific language that preserves your right to the homestead and veteran tax exemptions. Also, check if these exemptions are portable for a surviving spouse. 3. Update Your Beneficiaries A common mistake is updating a Will but forgetting the beneficiary forms on life insurance (VGLI) or a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Rule: A beneficiary form overrides a Will. If an old beneficiary is still listed on your policy, they will likely receive the payout regardless of what your Will says. 4. Secure Your DD214 In the military, if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Your family will need your DD214 to access almost every benefit, from burial honors to survivor pensions. Keep a digital and physical copy in a fireproof safe and ensure your executor knows the location. About the Author: Cathy Yanda is a USMC Veteran and a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner in Oak Park. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she is dedicated to helping fellow veterans navigate the complexities of real estate and legacy planning.

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River...

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

The British International School of Chicago, South Loop is a leading private day school located at 161 W. 9th Street in Chicago, IL. As part of the global Nord Anglia Education family, the school provides a comprehensive international education for students ranging from preschool through high school. The school offers a personalized learning approach that integrates the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum, alongside the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program for high school students. With a focus on academic excellence, the curriculum is enhanced by unique collaborations with institutions like MIT and The Juilliard School, as well as a global partnership with UNICEF to foster social responsibility. Recognized as a top private K-12 school in Illinois, the institution is dedicated to developing resilient, creative, and globally-minded citizens. Families can expect a supportive, technology-enabled learning environment designed to prepare students for success at the world's most prestigious universities.

Chicago

British International School of Chicago, South...

The British International School of Chicago, South Loop is a leading private day school located at 161 W. 9th Street in Chicago, IL. As part of the...

Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty

Oak Park Conservatory

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites. Free and open to the public, the Conservatory offers visitors a lush escape into nature with three distinct indoor showrooms — the Mediterranean Room, Tropical Room, and Desert Room — each showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Outside, the urban gardens continue the experience with native Illinois landscapes featured in the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden and Rubinstein Garden. Sweeps of prairie grasses and native blooms welcome you at the entrance, inviting you to slow down and explore this hidden oasis in the heart of the village. Owned and operated by the Park District of Oak Park, the Conservatory provides year-round opportunities to connect with nature through programs, events, and community initiatives. Highlights include: • Seasonal Events: Enjoy festive gatherings throughout the year such as the Candlelight Walk, Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and Halloween Fright at Night. • Plant &amp; Garden Markets: Shop a variety of seasonal plant sales, including the Winter Seed Sale, Valentine’s Market, Spring Plant Sale, Perennial Pollinator Sale, Succulent &amp; Cacti Sale, Fall Mum &amp; Bulb Sale, and Winter Greens Market. • Private Event Rentals: Celebrate life’s milestones surrounded by natural beauty. The Conservatory is available for weddings, showers, graduations, birthday parties, memorial services, and other special occasions. • Educational Programs: Participate in a variety of hands-on programs for all ages — from adult gardening workshops to free early childhood nature programs that inspire young explorers. Whether you’re a lifelong plant lover or simply seeking a moment of calm, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a space to reconnect with nature, beauty, and community — right in your own backyard.

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites....

Women's View for Kids Film Festival, Saturday, June 20 at 10 am, Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake Street, Oak Park: Don't miss the first Women's View FilmFest for kids ages 5+ at the Lake Theatre! The "Finding Friends and Ourselves" program features seven short films about girls from six different countries: Mouse for Sale (Belgium), Ley Ley (Germany), The Princess' Painting (Germany), In a Heartbeat (Iceland), Big Wheel (UK), Gorilla (Finland), Mo'ne Davis: Throw Like a Girl (US). The festival is free for guests of New Moms and $6 for the general public. Following the screening, the audience will have the chance to discuss the films and vote for their festival favorite. Call 773-528-6854 or email <a href="mailto:icmediacenter@gmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">icmediacenter@gmail.com</a> for more information.

Women’s View for Kids Film Festival, Saturday, June 20 at 10 am, Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake Street, Oak Park: Don’t miss the first Women’s View FilmFest for kids ages 5+ at the Lake Theatre! The “Finding Friends and Ourselves” program features seven short films about girls from six different countries: Mouse for Sale (Belgium), Ley Ley (Germany), The Princess’ Painting (Germany), In a Heartbeat (Iceland), Big Wheel (UK), Gorilla (Finland), Mo’ne Davis: Throw Like a Girl (US).

The festival is free for guests of New Moms and $6 for the general public. Following the screening, the audience will have the chance to discuss the films and vote for their festival favorite. Call 773-528-6854 or email <a href="mailto:icmediacenter@gmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">icmediacenter@gmail.com</a> for more information.

Forest Park

An educational and empowering film festival for children, parents, and families, featuring strong female characters