Huntington Introduces 'Checklist for Life' to Jumpstart Estate Planning Process for Families

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The first wave of 80 million U.S. baby boomers is expected to begin collecting Social Security this year, but surveys show more than 20 percent of Americans have yet to begin planning for retirement, while at least 50 percent have not drawn up a will.

That's why Huntington (Nasdaq: HBAN) has developed a free downloadable inventory tool, "Huntington's Checklist for Life," for individuals to begin the planning process and to make it easier for adult children to help their parents or elderly relatives start planning.

"The first step to devising an estate or retirement plan is to make an inventory of all of your financial documents and determine what you own and what you owe," said Kathy Houck, senior vice president of Huntington's Private Financial Group. "For many of us, the task seems so daunting that it is easier to put it off. At Huntington we have developed an easy-to-follow checklist to help consumers begin this formidable task that can help give them peace of mind."

Everyone needs to plan for retirement and to draw up an estate plan -- no matter what their income or net worth may be. An estate plan can assure that in the event of death or disability, one's assets will go to the beneficiaries intended and that the taxes, fees and costs associated with an estate will be minimized. Without an estate plan, families can face probate costs and the courts deciding what to do with the assets the elderly have worked all of their lives to earn.

    10 Tips for Creating A Financial Inventory

    1.  Download "Huntington's Checklist for Life," which is free, at
        www.huntington.com/checklistforlife/.
    2.  Determine what bank statements and other information you will need by
        reviewing the Checklist.
    3.  Take advantage of tax time. If you are doing your taxes, you may be
        able to do double duty by using your tax documents to complete at
        least part of the Checklist.
    4.  Consult your employer to verify your company-sponsored plans. If you
        are not certain about the pension plans and 401 (k) plans your company
        offers, visit your company's human resources representative or any
        online resources the company offers.
    5.  Write down your financial goals for the next five to 10 years. Do you
        want to travel? Pay off a loan? Help fund a grandchild's education?
    6.  Help older parents or relatives without a retirement plan or an estate
        plan by introducing them to the Huntington Checklist for Life.
        Remember, retirements can last as long as 30 years. Don't forget that
        health care may be their largest retirement expense. Make certain they
        have the appropriate health insurance and possibly long-term care
        insurance.
    7.  Consult a professional financial adviser. Advisers are available no
        matter how large or small your balance is. Ask friends for referrals
        or ask your local banker. Your Checklist will provide all the basic
        information a planner needs to begin a plan.
    8.  Determine your beneficiaries. If you are helping an elderly parent
        plan, ask them about beneficiaries. Then ask friends and family for a
        referral to an attorney who can draw up a will and durable power of
        attorney.
    9.  Safely store your Huntington Checklist.  This valuable document has
        your key financial data and should be kept in a safe place at home.
    10. Stay focused. It is all too easy after the Checklist is completed to
        put off talking with legal and financial professionals. Remember a
        good retirement plan will help you enjoy the fruits of your labor. And
        a good estate plan will help you make certain that all that you have
        built in your life will be protected and go to your designated heirs.

To obtain helpful information on how to begin a conversation with your parents about estate planning, call the Huntington Investment Company 1-800-322-4600 or visit www.huntington.com/checklistforlife/.

About Huntington

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $55 billion regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Huntington has more than 142 years of serving the financial needs of its customers. Huntington's banking subsidiary, The Huntington National Bank, provides innovative retail and commercial financial products and services through over 600 regional banking offices in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Huntington also offers retail and commercial financial services online at huntington.com; through its technologically advanced, 24-hour telephone bank; and through its network of over 1,400 ATMs. Selected financial service activities are also conducted in other states including: Dealer Sales offices in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; Private Financial and Capital Markets Group offices in Florida; and Mortgage Banking offices in Maryland and New Jersey. Sky Insurance offers retail and commercial insurance agency services, through offices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia. International banking services are available through the headquarters office in Columbus, a limited purpose office located in both the Cayman Islands and another located Hong Kong.

Investment Products and Services are offered by The Huntington Investment Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and member FINRA/SIPC.

SOURCE Huntington Bancshares Incorporated

Released January 28, 2008