August is National Make a Will Month, a time to focus on planning for the future. Despite its importance, many Americans delay creating a will. Over half of us think it’s essential, yet only a third have actually made one.

Creating a will ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are cared for, and your legacy lives on. At Friends House Retirement Community, we believe in the power of planning for the future, not just for our residents, but for the wider community as well.

The Benefits of Having a Will

1. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your affairs are in order brings peace of mind. Your loved ones will be taken care of, and your wishes will be respected.
2. Supporting Causes You Care About: Including a charitable bequest in your will is a way to support causes that are important to you
3. Protecting Your Loved Ones: A will allows you to designate guardians for minor children and make provisions for their care.
4. Avoiding Disputes: A will helps to prevent disputes among family members by clearly outlining your wishes regarding the distribution of your estate.

How to Get Started

Creating a will doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

1. Assess Your Assets: Make a list of your assets and decide how you would like them to be distributed.
2. Choose Your Beneficiaries: Decide who you want to inherit your assets. This can include family, friends, and charitable organizations.
3. Appoint an Executor: Choose a trusted person to execute your will according to your wishes.
4. Seek Professional Help: While DIY wills are available, consulting with a legal professional ensures that your will is valid, and all legal requirements are met.
5. Review and Update Regularly: Life changes, and so should your will. Review it regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

A Lasting Impact at Friends House

At Friends House, we see the impact of planned giving every day. Legacy gifts help us provide exceptional care and enrich the lives of our residents. They enable us to maintain and improve our community, support our dedicated team, and offer programs that enhance the well-being of our community members.

Consider including Friends House in your estate plans by mentioning us in your will or naming us a beneficiary for a percentage of your life insurance. Your gift, no matter the size, will help us continue our mission of providing a supportive and enriching environment for seniors.

One of our most recent Legacy gifts supported a new audio-visual system in our largest meeting space.  So many of our residents are now better able to hear guest speakers, music concerts, and movies.   Friends House is very grateful for the gift.

If you would like to join our Legacy givers, look at a sample bequest language.  “I give (indicate a dollar amount or specific % of the remainder of your estate) to Friends House Retirement Community, Inc., presently located at 17340 Quaker Lane, Sandy Spring, MD 20860., for its general use or (for some specific purpose).

Take Action Today

In honor of National Make a Will Month, we invite you to take a moment to think about your legacy.

Creating a will is a way to express your values and ensure that the people and causes you care about are supported. It’s a simple act with profound implications.

On August 26 at 3:00 pm, Friends House will sponsor a presentation on wills and estate giving featuring Lilly Hummel, of Elville and Associates

If you have any questions about making a will or including Friends House in your estate plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Anne Derby, Director of Development at ADerby@FriendsHouse.com. We are here to help you through the process and ensure that your legacy is one of care and impact.