It’s August, which means it’s time for harvest preparations, back-to-school planning, and National Make-A-Will Month. Here in Pulaski County, we’re already the type of people who plan ahead. Just like you wouldn’t plant corn without planning for harvest, Make-A-Will Month reminds us that a little planning today makes all the difference down the road.
Estate planning is all about caring for what matters most, and that’s important no matter who you are or how much you have in the bank. Whether you have a family farm to pass on to the next generation, a retirement account you are just beginning to build, or children and grandchildren you want to protect, you have something meaningful to pass along.
Creating a will makes your wishes clear and legally binding, which saves your family stress and potential conflicts during an already difficult time. There’s a real peace of mind knowing you’ve taken care of the important details so you can focus on living and not worrying about what-ifs.
Family farms, careers, and community connections aren’t just a matter of financial assets either–they’re legacies. Any strong legacy isn’t just about how much you have, it’s about making sure what you’ve worked for goes toward what you care about most.
Considering A Planned Gift
When writing your will, it’s natural to consider your close family and friends first. But it might surprise you to know that once you’ve taken care of your loved ones, you can use your will to support the local causes that have meant so much to you over the years through a planned gift.
You already know what makes Pulaski County special. You’ve spent years volunteering with organizations you care about, supporting your kids’ schools, and helping neighbors and friends through tough times. You’ve seen what makes this community tick and what makes a real difference in people’s lives. Rural values of hard work, community support, and caring for neighbors aren’t just nice ideas. They are the principles that you live by. Just like you might plant a tree today for your grandchildren to climb in the future, your will is an opportunity to ensure that your values live on in Pulaski County even after you are gone.
A planned gift doesn’t impact your current lifestyle or resources. It’s a charitable gift that doesn’t cost you a penny while you are alive, but after you’re gone, it can help you leave a lasting community legacy while potentially reducing the tax burden on your estate and your family. You can support your community and help your family keep more of what you want them to have. It’s a win-win situation.
There are lots of ways to structure a planned gift—maybe it’s a set dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even naming a charity as beneficiary on your retirement account. What matters most is picking the option that feels right for your family.
A planned gift to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact. Through the CFoPC, you can establish a charitable fund in your name and support causes you’ve always cared about for generations to come. Your fund can bring attention and support to whatever matters most to you. Many families here in Pulaski County have already taken this step. The Richard W. Thompson Family Fund offers designated support to Peak Community Services as well as unrestricted support for Community Grants. The Emil Smolek Endowment provides four student scholarships along with designated funds for the charities Mr. Smolek loved. The Conn Family Scholarship rewards a Winamac High School senior who excels in math and science. Thanks to their relatives’ thoughtful planning, these families and many others continue to see their generosity at work for our rural home.
Guidance You Can Trust
We know that the estate planning process can feel overwhelming with its legal language and many important decisions. It’s normal to feel a bit intimidated. The good news is that you don’t have to become an expert overnight or navigate this by yourself. If you are considering making a planned gift a part of your estate plan, the staff at the CFoPC is available to sit down with you, answer your questions in plain English, and help you explore options and develop the best plan for you, along with whatever financial advisor you work with. We know this community, and we know what works. Let us help you think through how to make the biggest impact with whatever you’re comfortable giving.
You have the power to shape your legacy and impact your community. Every day, through the local businesses you support, where you volunteer your time, and how you treat your neighbors, you make choices to show what matters most to you. Writing a will that includes charitable giving is just one more way to keep those values alive and thriving, even after you are gone.
Your legacy of caring for Pulaski County can continue for generations. Have questions about including a planned gift in your will? Email us or give us a call. We’d love to sit down over coffee and chat about what this might look like for your family.