National Estate Planning Awareness Week, October 21-27, is a perfect time to explore creating a will and solidifying your final wishes.
According to Caring.com’s 2024 Wills Survey, 64% of Americans agree that having a will is important. However, only 32% of Americans have a will, a 6% decline from 2023 and the first decrease in estate planning rates since 2020. The survey results also stated that 40% of U.S. adults claimed a “lack of assets” as their reason for neglecting estate planning. This assumption could not be further from the truth. No matter your age or how wealthy you are, you should have an estate plan in place, which, at the very least, should include a will.
Wills are for more than just managing financial assets. They also allow an individual to control important healthcare decisions, designate what happens with physical and digital assets, and can provide specific guidance on how and by whom minor children should be cared for in the event of an emergency. Simply put, a will protects what matters to you, ensuring the safety and care of the people, pets, and communities you cherish. It also offers your family members clarity around how your estate should be managed, reducing complications and confusion. And, finally, your will provides an opportunity for you to designate Wilson College as a beneficiary through a bequest. That way, your present-day support of Wilson continues as your legacy, helping ensure future women and men can benefit from an affordable and accessible Wilson education.
Robin Herring, who currently works at the College in the Business Office and is an alumna, earning both a bachelor’s degree in 2007 and a master’s degree in 2023, knows firsthand how important a will is when a loved one dies. “I had a brother who passed away without a will, and it was very difficult (to settle his estate).”
From that experience, Robin knew she needed to act and create her own will. She said she always meant to make one but admits that making a will is something so many of us think of as a future project. “All of a sudden, it’s not so far in the future and you really have to start thinking about how you wish your estate to be cared for.”
Wilson has partnered with an innovative company to make establishing a will easy. And, best of all, it’s free of charge. By going online to www.freewill.com, you can create a plan in just 20 minutes and protect the people and causes you love. It’s that simple.
“I knew I needed a will, and I decided to check out the FreeWill tool. I’m very glad I did. The whole platform is very easy, very user-friendly. You can make your will as simple or as complex as you like.”
Robin, who has always been an advocate for Wilson, wanted her estate plans to reflect her commitment to students. “It was important for me to include Wilson. I have always said that whatever I can give, and do, to help a student, I will.” Robin admits her designation to Wilson does not represent a large monetary amount right now. She says she hopes to adjust that commitment in the future. For now, she knows every dollar makes a difference in the lives of students. “Lots of littles make a lot.”
By designating Wilson as a beneficiary of her estate, Robin has become a member of the Conococheague Society. This society celebrates the philanthropy that has been an integral part of the College since Sarah Wilson provided her first gifts in 1869. Robin, her fellow alumnae, alumni, and friends continue this important tradition of including Wilson in their estate plans. The College is forever grateful for these important gifts.
We hope you will make National Estate Planning Week a priority and explore establishing your will today. To learn more about FreeWill and the Society, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 717-262-2010.
