National Make a Will Month

As summer winds down, our Scouts have learned countless skills and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Before the Fall kicks off with its flurry of work and family obligations, it is the perfect time to celebrate August as “Make a Will Month.” We encourage you to take some time this month to make or update your will or estate plan to make sure that you, your loved ones, and the causes you care about are taken care of.

More than ten years ago, August was established as “Make a Will Month” in an effort to raise awareness for this crucial planning process.

Here are four things to consider as you make or update your plans:

1. Find a trusted professional: Make sure that you are working with a trusted advisor to help you think through and document your intentions.
2. Reflect on what matters to you: A will or estate plan represents a powerful opportunity to say “This is who I am. These are the people and causes that have shaped my life.”
3. Plan for the assets not covered by a will: Assets like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and investment accounts allow you to name beneficiaries. Make sure that your estate plan includes a clear review of your intentions for those assets as well.
4. Sharing your intentions: Where possible, sharing your intentions with loved ones and the causes you care about can greatly reduce uncertainty and help your beneficiaries plan for the future with confidence.

A clear will or estate plan can provide you, your loved ones, and the causes you care about with peace of mind and security. Things change, but putting your intentions down in writing is a valuable step in ensuring your values, goals and priorities are respected over the long term.

For information on how to include the Georgia-Carolina Council in your will or estate plan, visit us at Georgia-Carolina Council Planned Giving or contact us at (706) 733-5277.