April is National Volunteer Month!

We know you're wondering how estate planning and National Volunteer Month are connected and, of course, we have answers!

It is not difficult to ensure your values and passion for giving back continue beyond your lifetime. Integrating charitable giving and volunteerism into your estate plan can be achieved in a number of ways:

1. Incorporate Charitable Giving in Your Will:
Name a nonprofit or charity as a beneficiary in your will.
Leave a specific amount or a percentage of your estate to a cause you care about.

2. Use Life Insurance & Retirement Accounts:
Designate a charity as a beneficiary of your 401(k), IRA, or life insurance policy. Doing so can provide tax benefits while ensuring your legacy supports a meaningful cause.

3. Set Up a Charitable Trust:
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) allows you to receive income during your lifetime while leaving assets to a charity. A charitable lead trust (CLT) gives income to a nonprofit for a set period, with the remainder going to your heirs.

4. Establish a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF):
A DAF allows you to donate now, distribute later, and even involve your family in giving decisions. It’s a great way to pass down a tradition of philanthropy.

5. Honor Your Volunteer Work in Your Estate Plan:
If you’ve dedicated time to an organization, consider leaving a bequest to support its future. Write a letter of wishes sharing why volunteering was important to you, encouraging loved ones to continue your legacy. (For more information about Ethical Wills, check out this TedTalk by our friend and fellow attorney Scott Zucker - https://lnkd.in/eqHURFhW )

For more information about how to continue your legacy of giving, call us!