August is a month of transition and new routine. For many it signifies the end of the summer and the beginning of a new school year.
August is also National Make-a-Will Month. This yearly reminder encourages people to create (or update) a will.
Nearly 70% of Americans don’t have an updated legal will, despite it being an essential to protect the people and causes you love the most. Many are surprised to find that creating a will isn’t as tedious as it sounds.
The Importance of Making a Will For Everyone
Making a will is a fundamental aspect of planning for the future. It ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, providing clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones. But beyond the personal benefits, having a will in place can also have a profound impact on the causes you care about. It’s a legal document every adult should have.
Steps to Creating Your Will
Creating a will is simpler than you may think. Here are some steps to get started:
1. Assess Your Assets: Take inventory of your assets, including property, savings, investments, and personal belongings. This will help you determine how you wish to distribute them.
2. Decide on Beneficiaries: Consider who you want to include in your will, whether they are family members, friends, or charitable organizations.
3. Consult a Legal Professional: Working with an attorney who specializes in estate planning ensures that your will is legally sound and aligns with your wishes. They can also help navigate any tax implications and ensure that your charitable intentions are accurately reflected.
4. Review and Update Regularly: Life changes, and so should your will. Regular reviews ensure that your will remains current and accurately reflects your wishes and any changes in your life circumstances.
You can also check out the online resources at freewill.com, which makes estate planning easy.
How Your Will Can Support Conservation Efforts in Southern Illinois
1. Leaving a Legacy Gift: Including a conservation organization, like HeartLands Conservancy, in your will is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. These gifts, whether large or small, allow organizations like ours to plan for the future with confidence. They help ensure that vital conservation projects continue, even when immediate funding might be scarce.
2. Designating Specific Assets: You can choose to leave specific assets such as land, stocks, or personal property to support conservation. This not only helps the organization but can also have tax benefits for your estate.
3. Setting Up a Charitable Trust: Charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts are excellent ways to support your favorite causes while providing financial benefits for yourself or your heirs. These trusts can provide a steady stream of income to conservation groups, allowing for long-term planning and sustainability.
The Ripple Effect…
By including a conservation organization, like HeartLands Conservancy, in your will, you’re doing more than making a financial contribution—you’re making a statement about the kind of world you want to leave behind. Your support helps ensure that future generations will enjoy the beauty and richness of our natural world.
As we observe National Make a Will Month, we encourage you to consider the impact your legacy can have on conservation efforts. The preservation of natural areas, farmland, and wildlife habitat benefits everyone, and your thoughtful planning can ensure that shared natural heritage is protected for years to come.
For more information on how to include conservation efforts in your will or to discuss specific ways you can make a difference, please reach out to Mary Vandevord, President & CEO at ma**@*******************cy.org or call (618) 566-4451 ex 10.
Learn more about planned giving options and donations of non-cash assets here.
Thank you for your commitment to conservation and for considering how your legacy can help shape a brighter future for our planet.