August is National Make a Will Month – a time to remind everyone about the importance of having a will.

All adults should have a will – a relatively simple and inexpensive legal document that enables you to control the distribution of your hard-earned assets, including your property, according to your wishes. Beyond your assets, a will can provide protection for your family after your passing. It’s also a tool through which you can leave a legacy of compassionate support beyond your lifetime to a designated charity like Alzheimer’s New Jersey®.

Here are a few facts to think about*:

  • Only 24% of Americans have a will.
  • 43% of people who don’t have a will say it’s because they don’t have enough assets to leave to anyone, 35% of adults say they don’t have a will because they haven’t gotten around to it.
  • 1 out of 4 Americans without a will, don’t plan on getting one, while 40% plan on waiting until there is a health crisis.

Having a will is an essential part of financial planning. Professional advisors agree that it is best to make at least a simple will as soon as an individual becomes an adult.

A will ensures that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and can help avoid family disputes and potential legal battles. Good planning can provide peace of mind and comfort knowing that your affairs are in order and loved ones will be taken care of.

A bequest, which is a gift left in a will or a trust, can have a significant impact on a charitable organization like Alzheimer’s New Jersey® which receives no government support and relies 100% on charitable donations to fund vital programs and services for New Jersey families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Bequests represent a reliable and long-term source of support. By leaving a bequest to a charity, you can help ensure that its important work continues beyond your lifetime without a present-day cost to you. A bequest also enables you to make a larger gift beyond what you may have been able to contribute during your lifetime – all in support of an organization that you care deeply about – your lasting legacy to making the world a better place.

Learn More HERE About the Many Ways to Give to Alzheimer’s New Jersey including Bequests.

Questions? Call (973) 586-4300, ext. 1101

*Taken from Caring.com an online resource for seniors and caregivers.