National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) was established in 2008 to highlight the importance of estate planning and ensure more people understand how to protect their financial assets and their loved ones. This year NEPAW will be held from October 21st through the 27th. This week serves as a reminder for individuals and families to take action and prepare for the future.

An estate plan is a thoughtful legal arrangement that allows you to guide the management of your financial assets, medical choices, and other responsibilities in the event you are unable to do so or at the end of your life. Essential elements include a will, power of attorney, and beneficiary designations for retirement accounts or life insurance policies. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out and provides security for your loved ones.

Why is Estate Planning a Vital Component of Financial Wellness?

Estate planning is a crucial part of financial health for several reasons. It allows you to direct how your assets are handled, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. With proper planning, you can also reduce estate taxes and avoid the costly probate process, which can delay asset distribution. And by making provisions for minor children or dependents, you ensure their well-being and future financial stability. A well-crafted plan prevents family disputes and provides clear guidance in the event of incapacitation or death.

Despite its importance, many Americans are unprepared. In fact, according to Caring.com 67% of Americans do not have an estate plan and 73% of parents with children under 18 have no legal plan in place. These statistics underscore the need for greater awareness and action.

Supporting Gift of Life Howie’s House Through Planned Giving

Gift of Life Howie’s House offers a meaningful way for individuals to support families in need through The Legacy Society for Planned Giving. By including the House in your estate plan, you can ensure that transplant families continue to receive the care and support they need for years to come.

Planned giving contributors, like Sean Rhoads, who chose to leave a legacy with the House, often do so out of gratitude for the profound impact the organization had on their families. Sean shared, “I know that by giving back to Howie’s House, I’m helping to provide a place for families going through a journey like ours.” Through estate planning, donors can continue supporting an organization close to their hearts while also securing their own financial wellness.

Join the Legacy Society Today

To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy at Gift of Life Howie’s House, please visit our Planned Giving page and discover how simple it can be to include a charitable gift in your estate plan. With your support, the House can continue to provide a “home away from home” for transplant families when they need it most.