Estate Planning

Are you aware that nearly 70% of Americans do not have a will? It’s surprising how often people delay this important task, since it can be so vital to provide for your loved ones and even loved charities. 

There are many misconceptions regarding estate planning that people take as fact and can keep them from taking action and putting their plans in writing. However, estate planning has become one of the easiest ways to protect the future for the people and causes you care about. 

This National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 18-24), you can benefit by putting your wishes in writing through a free online resource from Charity Navigator partners at FreeWill. FreeWill makes things simple. We understand the stress of preparing a will because it is often complicated and expensive. So, we created an easy-to-follow online tool that walks you through the steps of creating your will in less than 20 minutes. This National Estate Planning Awareness Week, join thousands of donors like you in creating a legacy.

In addition to protecting your loved ones, a will can help your favorite organizations prosper through legacy gifts. These types of gifts impact organizations long-term and have the benefit of supporting missions for generations to come. This tool allows you to include charities in your will, making your impact last -- today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Make major impact while saving on your taxes

Alongside bequests, many of our supporters are turning to non-cash gifts to maximize their savings while supporting the organizations they love. If you are considering making an end-of-year gift to any nonprofit, including Charity Navigator, consider giving appreciated stocks. 

With FreeWill’s tool, stock donations have become easier to navigate than ever before. Many of our supporters are choosing this method of giving because it allows them to make a greater impact while saving on two types of taxes--capital gains tax and state and federal income tax. Read Tax Benefits of Giving for more information. These gifts must be made before December 15th for you to receive the full tax benefits. Learn how stock donations can have a bigger impact with Charity Navigator.

The information provided above makes it simple to learn more about the benefits of these forms of giving and guides you through the necessary steps to complete your gift quickly and easily. Securing your future and making a big impact has never been easier. Take advantage of National Estate Planning Awareness Week: protect those you love, support organizations you admire, and leave a legacy that lasts for years to come. 

Authored by FreeWill.  FreeWill is on a mission to help people plan for the future while doing the most good for the people and causes they care about. At FreeWill, we believe in the human instinct to do good—that’s why we’ve made charitable giving especially easy. To date, people have used our platform to commit more than $3.9B to nonprofit organizations.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a public service to highlight a matter of current interest. It does not constitute a full review of any subject matter nor act as a substitute for obtaining financial or legal advice from an accountant, financial advisor, or attorney.