August is Make-A-Will Month, a good reminder to take care of one of those important tasks that can be easy to put off.
Creating a will is about more than deciding what happens to your belongings. It is a way to make your wishes clear, care for the people you love and make thoughtful decisions about the legacy you want to leave behind.
And getting started may be easier than you think.
Why Having a Will Matters
A will gives you the opportunity to make important decisions on your own terms. It can help you:
- Protect the people you care about by clearly outlining your wishes.
- Choose who will manage your estate and carry out those wishes.
- Name guardians for children or dependents, when applicable.
- Decide how your assets should be distributed rather than leaving those decisions to state law.
- Support the organizations and causes that matter to you as part of your legacy.
Even if you do not consider yourself to have a large estate, having a plan in place can provide clarity for you and the people closest to you.
A Simple Way to Get Started
Special Olympics Washington supporters have access to Giving Docs, an online resource designed to make estate planning more approachable.
Through Giving Docs, you can create important planning documents and work through decisions at your own pace. Whether you are creating a will for the first time or simply realizing it may be time to revisit an existing plan, Make-A-Will Month is a great reason to get started.
Your Legacy Can Reflect What Matters to You
For many people, estate planning also creates an opportunity to think about the impact they want to have beyond their lifetime.
A planned gift to Special Olympics Washington can help create more opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to compete, lead, build friendships and be part of inclusive communities for generations to come.
Including Special Olympics Washington in your plans is completely optional. The most important step is making sure you have a plan that reflects your priorities, your loved ones and your wishes.
Take One Step This August
You do not have to figure everything out at once.
This Make-A-Will Month, consider setting aside a little time to create your first will, review the one you already have or simply start a conversation with your family about your wishes.
A small step today can bring greater clarity for the future and help ensure the people and causes you care about are protected for years to come.
Ready to get started? Explore our free estate planning resources through Giving Docs and begin building a plan that reflects what matters most to you.
