Glad to lend a hand. Class of 2011.

Self custody your cold storage.  

Use a a hardware wallet to make your keys. (That's easiest. I suggest Jade. But most any will do. Just make the key there)

Never put your key in a computer or cell phone or printer.  Never. Until you plan to immediately move the coins to a new secure address.

Withdraw your Bitcoin from any exchange. 

Use a bip39 passphrase.

Write down instructions for your heirs before you know you need to. 

Store that in the safest place you can.