Do you have a will? That’s a pretty direct question, yes, I know—but it’s one that we at the Wayne County Community Foundation ask pretty regularly. 

Did you know that nearly 70 percent of Americans report that they do not have a will?

August is Make a Will Month and we cannot express enough how important it is for your loved ones and your community to establish a will that reflects your values. No matter what state you live in, the state has a plan for your remaining estate if you die without a will—but everyone’s wishes, desires and interests, and the people they care about, are unique.

We believe your will should reflect all of those things. 

It is important to your loved ones and to your community that you take some time every few years to review what you want your legacy to look like. We encourage you to consider giving back to the community we all know and love. Leaving five percent or more of your estate to a Community Foundation to be able to address community needs for many years to come is a great way to ensure that your community is continually improving, caring for the people who love it and the natural resources that exist. 

So please, consider this a gentle reminder and homework assignment (those who know me well know that I actually love homework!) to prioritize establishing or updating your will this August. If it’s been over five years since you’ve reviewed your will, it’s time to check it out again. 

Make that appointment with your trusted attorney. If you don’t have a trusted attorney, now is the time to find one. It’s always better to have one before you need one.

I’m Ryanne Jennings, President/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation, and I’m excited to contribute to the River Reporter about different topics regarding philanthropy and our wonderful community here in the Upper Delaware River Valley.

The Wayne County Community Foundation’s mission is to connect people with financial and non-financial resources to improve the quality of life for all people in Wayne County. 

For all of you readers out there, that means everyone living in, visiting, passing through or working in Wayne County, PA.

The Wayne County Community Foundation is ready, willing and able to help assist you with your charitable estate planning. I encourage you to reach out to set up a time to meet with me if you have any questions. Visit waynefoundation.org for more information and email info@waynefoundation.org to set up a meeting. I’d be delighted to meet you!