January is a time of renewal, and also a time to begin new commitments. It is also Make Your Will month, and is a great time to be thinking about the things God has blessed you with, and what kind of legacy you want to leave with those things. If you don’t already have a will, having one drafted is not as hard as you think.
Valerie RumboughAs you gather your information for your tax return preparation, consider also gathering documents that describe all of your assets, liabilities, and other financial information and placing that information together in a notebook. Then consider who you would like to have those assets at your death. This is where the importance of having a will cannot be overstated.
Without a will, someone else will make that decision, and it might not be what you would have wanted. With a will, you can provide for minor children, your spouse, or others who may depend on you. You can even determine if those you provide for will receive their inheritance all at once, or as an income stream.
While you are making those decisions, consider leaving something to your church or other charity. A bequest is a welcome gift to any charitable organization. Plus, since we cannot take it with us, it is a wonderful way to benefit them when you no longer need it.
In these economic times we are in, many individuals have found themselves with either lower income or maybe no income at all. That obviously affects your current giving, which in turn affects the ministry charities are able to provide. A gift through your will would be a wonderful way to assist them in the future to carry on their mission, no matter what economic times they may face in future years.
You can get free information on how to get started on your will and also basic estate planning from the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. You can reach the Foundation through the South Carolina Baptist Convention office at (800) 723-7242. The Foundation can also assist you in locating an estate attorney in your area who can help to complete the process. Remember, God expects us to take care of our families. This includes proper planning for those you leave behind.
Editor’s note: Rumbough, CPA, CFP, is vice president of finance, Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. If you have questions about gifts, call your CPA or the Baptist Foundation at (800) 723-7242.