Take That Important First Step

August is “National Make A Will Month” and an important reminder to create and/or update your will to be sure it reflects your current circumstances and wishes.  It is estimated that nearly 2/3 of American adults do not have a will – missing a chance to protect their family, their legacy, and pass on their cherished values. 

Here are some ways to get started today:

• Take an inventory of your assets.  List your bank accounts, investments, real estate, jewelry, and personal property.  If you have a financial advisor or asset manager, include their contact information.
• Review and update any beneficiary designations on your life insurance, retirement accounts or other investment accounts.
• Designate an executor. Discuss your wishes with your preferred executor- usually a family member or close friend – to be sure they are willing to serve in this role. 
• Consider your wishes.  Think about the people and causes you care about and consider including them in your will to receive a portion of your estate, or as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account. 
• Revisit your plan every few years.  Your assets, relationships, and family circumstances may change, as well as your wishes, so be sure this document is kept up to date.
• Seek legal advice to consider all estate plan options that might offer financial and tax benefits.  

As Homeless Solutions looks to the future, we are energized and inspired to do our best to serve our residents and guests.  We thank you in advance for taking that important first step to ensure your legacy and consider sustaining your support of HSI through a gift in your will. For more information about legacy giving and our 1983 Legacy Society visit our Legacy Giving page at: www.homelesssolutions.org/legacysociety or contact Chief Development Officer, Stephanie Cicale at StephanieCicale@hsinj.org or 973-993-0900 X120.