Got your house in order? I’m not talking about cleaning and organizing your house for when the guests arrive. I’m talking about cleaning and organizing your house (and everything else) for when God arrives!
Valerie RumboughOne day, you will leave this world. When you do, will those left behind know what you want them to do with all your stuff? If not, you can fix that with some simple estate planning.
First of all, make sure you have an up-to-date will. Consider who may need the benefit of your resources when you are gone. This would include your family, especially if there are small children, and your church. Remember, even after you’re gone, you can still give your tithes and offerings, if you have the right estate plan! Then, make a list of all your stuff (furniture, china, tools, etc.) that you would like someone special to have.
Keep a notebook with copies of all your important papers (deeds, mortgages, bank accounts, titles, etc.) and put it in a safe place. Also include any special instructions to family members. Make a list of where to find things, such as your original documents, the key to your safe deposit box, your checkbook, etc. Also make a list of professionals who can assist your family, such as your attorney, CPA, investment advisor, life insurance agent, etc.
Finally, you may want to write a letter to family members expressing your love to them and to your Lord. Once you have set this up, all you have to say to your family is, “If something happens to me, everything you need to know is in this notebook.” That way, they only have to remember one thing, and you don’t have to reveal everything about yourself now.
Need more help? Go to http://baptistfoundationsc.org where you will find a free booklet that helps you organize all of this. You may also go to http://www.360financialliteracy.org for more financial resources.
Remember the ant in Proverbs that planned ahead. When harvest time came, he was prepared. Make your estate plan one that honors the Lord through your good organization and commitment to your family and Him.
– Rumbough, CPA, CFP, is chief operations officer with the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. Contact her at 800-723-7242. In accordance with IRS Circular 230, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.