Next week (October 16-22) is National Estate Planning Awareness Week!
National Estate Planning Awareness Week was adopted in 2008 to help the public understand what estate planning is and why it is such a vital component of financial wellness. EVERYONE needs estate planning!
Only about 1 in 3 adults have a will, and a will is just part of an estate plan. If someone has not planned their estate, there is virtually no chance they have arranged to leave a gift to your organization. In fact, we’ve found that only 4% of your supporters have included your organization with an estate gift.
This is a perfect opportunity to remind your supporters about the importance of an estate plan for them and their loved ones. You can also encourage them to make a difference in the lives of others by including your organization in their estate plan.
We’re here to help you connect with your supporters and get the conversation going!
Sample Script
“I’m calling to let you know that next/this week is Estate Planning Awareness Week. I am taking this opportunity to encourage you to make sure you have a complete estate plan in place that accurately reflects your values and goals, including a will or trust, powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions, and a living will.”
“I encourage you to not delay in updating your documents and beneficiary designations. Maybe set a deadline to get everything updated by the end of the year. Getting this done will give you peace of mind. If the opportunity arises as you update things, we would love for you to include our organization in your final plans.”
FOLLOW-UP: Schedule a personal email to go to them within a certain number of days that includes helpful information such as your tax ID number, bequest language, and legacy society information.
Below are some simple questions and talking points to help you build conversations around estate planning. Beyond National Estate Planning Awareness week, work these important questions into your regular discussions with your supporters!
Conversational Questions and Talking Points
- “The last few years have caused financial and legacy concerns among many. I’ve read that a record number of people are searching online for do-it-yourself Wills.”
- “Do you have a properly prepared, updated and executed will, powers of attorney and medical directives?”
- “Have you made appropriate provisions to account for all children?” (or “heirs,” if applicable)
- “Are the named executors, trustees and guardians still appropriate?”
- “Do beneficiary designations on all life insurance and retirement accounts compliment your will and/or trust?”
- “Have you considered making provisions for charities in your estate plan?”
- “If you want to do something for charity from your estate, current laws make it very attractive to give outright to charity from a retirement account.” (Review SECURE Act resources here.)
81% of those who go through our planning process create a major gift of assets to charity in their estate plan. We would love the opportunity to show you how our personalized estate planning process provides your supporters with certainty while increasing gifts to your organization!
Let’s Talk
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