Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? It is a timely reminder to create a will or review an existing one to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
A will can help protect the people and causes that matter most to you. It allows you to name guardians for minor children, plan for the care of beloved pets, and determine how your financial assets and property should be distributed. Without a will, those decisions may be made according to the laws of your state.
Creating or updating your will doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Texas Hearing Institute, we’ve seen how thoughtful planning can provide peace of mind for families while creating lasting opportunities for children with hearing loss. The questions below can help you determine whether your plans still reflect your wishes.
Do You Already Have a Will?
Creating a will is an important first step, but it is also important to make sure the document can be located when it is needed.
Store your will in a secure place that your executor or personal representative can access. Let that person know where it is kept and provide any information they may need to carry out your wishes.
You may also want to discuss your charitable intentions with your executor, including the organizations you would like to support through your estate.
If you do not have a will, your assets may be distributed according to state law rather than your personal wishes.
Have You Prepared Health Care Advance Directives?
Health care advance directives allow you to document your medical preferences and identify someone who can make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Make sure your primary care physician and preferred hospital have copies of these documents. Your health care representative and close family members should also know where they can be found, so your wishes can be followed when necessary.
Have You Planned for Your Digital Estate?
If you use email, social media, online banking, digital subscriptions, or cloud storage, you have a digital estate.
Begin by making a list of your digital accounts and assets. Decide which accounts should be closed, preserved, or transferred to someone else. You may also need to provide instructions for accessing important files, photographs, financial records, or online services.
Because laws and account policies can vary, an estate planning professional can help you determine the appropriate way to document and manage your digital wishes.
Does Your Will Reflect Your Current Intentions?
Life circumstances and priorities can change over time. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves, changes in finances, and evolving relationships may all affect your estate plans.
Review your beneficiaries and confirm that your will still reflects the people and organizations you want to support. You can add new beneficiaries, update gift amounts, or remove provisions that no longer align with your wishes.
It is also a good time to consider whether a charitable organization that has made a meaningful difference in your life should be included in your plans.
Have You Shared Your Charitable Intentions?
Informing a charitable organization about your intended gift gives its team an opportunity to thank you, understand your wishes, and discuss how your future support can make the greatest impact.
Sharing your intentions does not need to involve disclosing the value of your gift. It simply allows the organization to recognize your generosity and help ensure your charitable goals are understood.
Make Your Will a Reflection of What Matters Most
A will does so much more than distribute your belongings. It can protect your loved ones, provide clarity during a difficult time, and extend your values into the future.
A legacy gift to Texas Hearing Institute can help children who are deaf and hard of hearing access hearing health care, communication services, education, and opportunities to reach their full potential.
If you have included Texas Hearing Institute in your estate plans, or are considering doing so, will you please let us know? We would be honored to thank you and help ensure your gift reflects the legacy you wish to create.
Learn more about ways to give and pledge your support here.
