National Make-A-Will Month: Create An Impact That Extends Beyond Your Lifetime

As August approaches, so does an opportunity for reflection and planning your future. Each year, August is recognized as National Make-A-Will Month. At Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, this month holds special significance as we encourage supporters like you to consider planning your legacy with us. Homeownership is an essential resource that creates a generational impact – allowing individuals to pass down these experiences and virtues to their children. You have the opportunity to create an impact that extends beyond your lifetime.

We understand that planning a will can feel daunting, so we have provided the necessary education, sample language, and tools to simplify the process if you wish to plan your legacy with Habitat. Here is why planning your legacy matters and how you can get started.

Why Planning a Will Matters

When life feels busy, it can be hard to sit down, reflect, and create a will. Rest assured, the will planning process is much easier than anticipated once it has begun, and many resources are available to help you get started. Planning a will has many benefits, including peace of mind for whatever uncertainties life may bring. It is a crucial element to consider for the benefit of your future and your loved ones. Here are some key reasons why it's important:

1. Peace of Mind: Writing a will gives you peace of mind, knowing your wishes will be followed after you're gone. It ensures that your belongings go to the people or causes you care about.

2. Protecting Your Loved Ones: A will lets you financially provide for your family and loved ones. You can specify who gets what, which can prevent disagreements among family members later.

3. Tax Benefits: Planning your estate (all the things you own) can also help minimize taxes that your loved ones might have to pay on what you leave them. This means more of your money can go where you want it to.

4. Making a Lasting Impact: Including charities or nonprofits in your will allows you to make a lasting impact for future generations on social causes that you believe in. You can make an impact beyond your lifetime

Ways to Leave Your Legacy with Habitat for Humanity 

Planning your legacy can change the world! You can make an impact by leaving a gift to Habitat in your will, designating Habitat as a beneficiary on your bank or retirement accounts, insurance policies, or donor-advised fund, or by leaving a gift to Habitat with IRA funds you no longer need.

Learn more about the various ways you can leave a legacy through Habitat for Humanity:

• Bequests: By including a bequest in your will or trust, you can specify a percentage of your estate or a fixed amount to be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

• Retirement Assets: Naming Habitat as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement accounts can help you avoid taxes and support our mission effortlessly.

• Real Estate: Donating property to Habitat not only supports our work but may also offer significant tax benefits.

• Life Insurance: Designating Habitat as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy allows you to make a substantial future gift with minimal current cost.

• Investment Assets: Gifts of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds during your lifetime or through your estate can provide substantial tax advantages.

Learn more about Planned Giving with Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.

Complimentary Planning Resources

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County offers a comprehensive online resource toolkit to facilitate your planning process and answer any questions you may have along the way. This toolkit includes: 

• Information on donor-advised funds 

• Declaration of intent

• Complimentary planning resources

• Sample language for wills

• Sample beneficiary designations

• Information for trustees and advisors

• Gift calculator tool

• IRA giving tool

Whether you need assistance drafting documents or understanding the financial implications, our team is here to help.

Visit the Planned Giving toolkit.

Join Us in Making a Difference

This National Make-A-Will Month, consider how you can leave a legacy that reflects your values and supports the community. Your support ensures that Habitat for Humanity of Chester County can continue building homes and transforming lives. Together, we can create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Don’t wait to make a difference—start planning your legacy today!

Get Started Today

If you are ready to start planning your legacy with Habitat, we provide personalized guidance and connect you with resources to tailor your giving strategy to fit your goals and financial situation.

For more information on Planned Giving, contact Christy Kane at christy@hfhcc.org or 610-384-7993 ext 119.

We advise you to consult with your tax advisor and lawyer to determine which planned gift strategy is best for you. If you need help navigating your finance options, we recommend the following brokerage firm:

Cetera Investment Services LLC Attn: Account Transfer Department

400 1st Street South Suite 300

St. Cloud, MN  56301

320-656-4300, x64682