National Estate Planning Awareness Week

More than half of Americans, an estimated 56%, do not have an estate plan in place, making estate planning a critically overlooked component of financial wellness. This creates hardship, financial or otherwise, that can be diminished by advanced planning.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week was adopted on September 27, 2008 to help consumers understand estate planning and its need, along with how best to create a qualified team of professionals to assist in the planning process.

Estate planning encompasses the growth, conservation, and transfer of an individual’s wealth through the creation and maintenance of an “estate plan.” The purpose of estate planning is to develop a strategy that will maintain the financial security of individuals through their lifetime and ensure the intended transfer of their property and assets at death, while taking into consideration the unique circumstances of the family and the potential costs of different methods. A properly created team of professionals may include, but is not limited to, the attorney, accountant, trust officer, and credentialed insurance financial planners, all working together for the benefit of their client.

As your charitable partner, St. Louis Community Foundation offers a variety of services to help you begin your estate planning journey. Ready to put your estate plan in place? Contact Katie Knapp, Giving Strategist at kknapp@stlgives.org.