We hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits, enjoying the summer season. August is National Make-a-Will Month, and we wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of this often overlooked aspect of financial planning. Creating a comprehensive will is a powerful step towards securing your legacy and ensuring that your wishes are honored after you’re gone.
Personal Benefits of Making a Will
- Peace of Mind: A well-crafted will provides you with the peace of mind that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes. It eliminates uncertainty and reduces potential conflicts among family members regarding your assets and possessions.
- Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have young children, a will allows you to designate a guardian who will take care of them in case of your unfortunate absence. This ensures that your children’s well-being remains a top priority.
- Choosing Your Beneficiaries: Making a will enables you to specify who should inherit your assets and possessions. This can include family members, friends, charities, or any other beneficiaries that are close to your heart.
Financial Benefits of Making a Will
- Efficient Distribution: A will streamlines the distribution of your assets, reducing the time and costs associated with probate. This helps your loved ones avoid unnecessary delays and expenses during an already difficult time.
- Tax Efficiency: By strategically planning your estate, you can potentially minimize the tax implications on your beneficiaries.
- Business Continuity: If you own a business, a will can outline your wishes for the future of your business. This helps ensure its smooth transition to the appropriate individuals and minimizes disruptions.
Leaving a Legacy of Giving
Making a will also provides an opportunity to leave a charitable legacy. You can include charitable organizations that have been important to you during your life in your estate plan, leaving a long lasting impact on causes that matter to you. These charitable bequests can potentially reduce estate taxes as well, providing a dual benefit of supporting a cause you care about while also benefiting your estate and heirs through reduced tax liability.
As your advisor, we encourage you to consider the significance of creating a will and the impact it can have on your loved ones, your financial legacy, and the causes dear to your heart.
There are many ways to draft a will, including through online sources or with an attorney. Though our team cannot draft a will for you we are happy to assist you with estate planning necessary to determining your wishes.
Thank you for entrusting us with your financial well-being. We look forward to helping you make informed decisions that will positively shape your future, the future of your loved ones, and the causes you believe in.
We are here to help – please contact our office today to discuss your specific situation.