Via ThurstonTalk
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Foundation’s team encourages everyone to take the time to stay well-informed about their financial health. One way to do this without feeling overwhelmed is to focus on learning about one aspect of financial wellness at a time. National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a wonderful opportunity to pause and do just that.
What is National Estate Planning Awareness Week?
In 2008, the third week of October was adopted as National Estate Planning Awareness Week to help educate the community about the importance of estate planning. Throughout the week, estate planning professionals and resource organizations like the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC), Leave10 South Sound, and many others, promote estate planning learning.
By setting aside time during this period to do the research, get documents and accounts in order, explore resources, and connect with appropriate financial advisors, you can take important steps towards determining how you plan your estate with your future, family, and community in mind. If you already have a plan, this is also a wonderful opportunity to review it.
Why Devote a Week to Estate Planning Awareness?
Like other personal planning projects, the process of compiling your questions, thoughts, and records related to estate planning can be empowering. Taking time to make priority lists while learning about the benefits, terminology, and financial concepts related to estate planning gives you powerful tools whenever you are ready to enlist the help of an estate planning professional. Among other things, it is also an opportunity to consider how you want to use the power of your legacy to make a difference.
SPSCC Foundation Director of Philanthropy, Amber Wetzel explained, “The term ‘estate planning’ may sound daunting, but there are many ways to look at it. This week can be an opportunity to work with your financial advisor or estate planning attorney to map out the tangible ways you can impact the future of your family and community.”
Ignite Your Estate Planning Process by Getting Organized
One way to get started is to get organized. Make lists, jot down questions, and reflect on what you want to achieve. Here are some suggested topics to consider throughout the week.
Day 1: Find your “why” and think about the impact you can make. What are your top six reasons for wanting an estate plan? How do they align with your values, hopes for the future, your legacy, and other priorities? What positive impact do you want to make on the community through your legacy?
Day 2: Organize your records. Are your important records in order and in a safe place?
Day 3: List your questions. What are your biggest questions about estate planning?
Day 4: Do some research. What estate planning concepts do you want to learn more about? Do you have a financial advisor who can answer your questions and help you through the process?
Day 5: Celebrate! Even if you only complete one or two of these tasks during this week, you can be proud of yourself for taking these important steps. By investing time in learning about estate planning, you are helping to clarify the type of legacy you want to build.
“Observing National Estate Planning Awareness Week may not inspire you to have a barbeque or a big celebration, but the relief of having important conversations and documenting your intent can bring great satisfaction.” Amber pointed out.
SPSCC Foundation Celebrates Legacy Supporters in Its Circles of Leadership
You do not have to be a millionaire to build a legacy of your own. You can choose how you want to impact your community through your estate plan at any level you wish. Visit the SPSCC Foundation webpage to learn how you can help students through planned giving. The impact of planned giving can influence the success of generations of students, who also contribute to the community when they graduate.
SPSCC honors community members who have listed the SPSCC Foundation as a benefactor in their estate plans by inducting them into the Legacy Circle. At their Leadership Circle Gathering event, the Foundation recognizes three circles of leadership.
- Leadership Circle – includes members who have given $1000 or more in the last calendar year.
- Lifetime Circle – includes members who have given $25,000 or more during their lifetime of giving.
- Legacy Circle – includes members who have listed the Foundation as a benefactor in their estate plans.
Vice President for Advancement Kelly Green commented, “Legacy gifts to the SPSCC Foundation from Legacy Circle donors not only have the power to help students thrive, but also allow them to pay it forward and make a long-lasting impact on the community as a whole.”
Learn how you can make a difference by becoming a member of the Legacy Circle. Your planned gift can make a difference that will impact students for years to come. Contact Director of Philanthropy Amber Wetzel at awetzel@spscc.edu to learn how you can get involved today.