We welcome back a special guest on the blog: Stelter’s senior gift planning consultant, Lynn Gaumer, J.D. Lynn shares how to get the most out of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, Oct. 21-27, 2019.
It is estimated that over half of Americans (56 percent) do not have an up-to-date estate plan. In order to raise awareness about the importance of estate planning, Congress declared the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week.
With National Estate Planning Awareness Week right around the corner, this is a great time to promote estate planning with your donors and encourage them to leave a gift to your organization in their will or trust. It is also a good time to evaluate your own estate plan. If you have an estate plan, take time to review your documents to determine if you need an update. If you do not have one, estate planning awareness week is the perfect time to set up a meeting with an attorney to discuss your current wishes.
Stelter Does Its Part to Promote Estate Planning
October was declared Estate Planning Awareness Month in Iowa. I had the opportunity to join my fellow Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council board members and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds as she signed the proclamation into action, recognizing the importance of careful estate and financial planning.
What You Can Do to Promote Estate Planning in Your Area
- Host an estate planning workshop with a local attorney.
- Add estate planning content to your website, newsletters and social media platforms.
- Take one of your referral sources to lunch.
- Send an email to your donor base educating them about the importance of estate planning.
Did You Know?
It’s a good idea to review your estate plan every couple of years or after a major life event (marriage, divorce, death of a family member, birth of a family member) to ensure it remains consistent with your intent.
It Starts With You
If you are among the majority of Americans who haven’t yet started the estate planning process, make plans to get started soon. Your family members and heirs will be glad you did. You can then serve as a resource to your donors on the estate planning process.
Find more information about National Estate Planning Awareness Week here.