As much as Americans love ice cream, our tastes run pretty plain. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry consistently dominate “Top 5” flavor lists.
When we add toppings, we usually reach for the familiar—sauces, nuts, and sprinkles. Some go for bolder choices like candy or cereal, but toppings generally rank lower in importance compared to flavor, price, or portion size.
Still, the abundance of available flavors and toppings exists for a reason: People have different tastes and want different things—some simple, others more sophisticated. They may start with the basics, then mix in layers to match their palate and preferences.
Estate planning often follows the same path. Most people begin with a “vanilla” plan that covers the essentials. From there, they can add “toppings” like inheritance timing, conditions, or charitable components to turn a basic plan into something customized.
Topping Trends and What Your Favorite Toppings (Might) Say About You
We all scream for… hot fudge?
Maybe not all of us, but that's America's favorite topping—preferred by 35% of people. Rounding out the top three are whipped cream and caramel sauce, followed by chocolate sauce, nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and cherries.
More adventurous choices—like granola, honey, and cereal—are on the rise, as is the demand for premium, artisanal toppings. This trend reflects a wider appetite for personalization and control.
Companies have even played with the idea of flavor-linked personality traits:
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Vanilla: Idealism, impulsiveness
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Chocolate: Charm, drama
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Strawberry: Tolerance, introversion
Are you a hot fudge fan? You might be confident and optimistic. Love nuts? You may be more traditional. Prefer sprinkles? Bold and vivacious might fit you.
Whether scientific or just fun, your food choices often reflect your values—and so does your estate plan. Start with a solid base like a will or trust, then add “toppings” that reflect your personality and goals.
Timing Inheritances: Adding Toppings at the Right Time
Just like hot fudge needs to be the right temperature for the ice cream you're eating, inheritance distributions need to be well-timed based on the type of beneficiary.
Think of this like:
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Immediately: For responsible adult beneficiaries, like a warm drizzle ready to go.
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At Certain Ages: For younger heirs—25, 30, 35. Like letting hot fudge cool a bit first.
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After Milestones: College graduation or buying a first home—like rewarding effort with a sundae.
How Beneficiaries Inherit: Serve It Their Way
Toppings are the finishing touch, but the container matters too—just like the structure of your estate plan.
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Shared Property: Like a banana split meant for multiple people. Real estate or family assets can be held in trust and shared.
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Expense-Covering Trusts: Think of parents setting a budget on toppings. The trust pays for essentials like education or healthcare but not everything under the sun.
Charitable Giving: Sweet Ways to Give Back
Some find the sweetest part of their estate plan is what they give away.
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Outright Gift: A simple bequest to charity—like adding whipped cream: instant and effective.
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Endowment: Long-term support—like a layered sundae, sustaining a cause over time.
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Foundation: The full toppings bar. Gives you total control to mix, match, and build a legacy that lasts.
It's Time to Top Off Your Estate Plan
There's no one right way to eat ice cream—or to create an estate plan.
A plain scoop (like a basic will or trust) is better than nothing. But if variety is the spice of life, toppings are what make it uniquely yours.
Start with a scoop, then drizzle on trust provisions, sprinkle in beneficiary timing, and add a dollop of charitable giving. At Sheil Law Firm, we're here to help you create a plan as personalized and satisfying as your favorite sundae.
Let's make your estate plan as sweet and intentional as your favorite treat.
