When thinking about growing up as a kid, August was always the “beginning of the end” of summer. We would start to see the “back-to-school” commercials and know we had to start preparing for the inevitable first day back to classes and homework. Luckily, the days of homework are over now. However, being prepared is always important.

Perhaps this need to be prepared is why August is also National Make-a-Will Month. This month-long celebration encourages every American to plan for their future by creating an estate plan.

Surprisingly, about 70% of American adults do not have a will. People cite a variety of reasons: “I’m too young to need a will.” “It’s too expensive.” “I don’t have an estate, so I don’t need one.”

Truth is, you undoubtedly have assets worth passing on. Even if you don’t have family and even if it’s just your old car, a small checking and savings account, a tv set, and a few other personal belongings.

Every single one of us needs a will, whether you are 18 or 80 years old. This month, we want to remind you about this particularly important task!

If you pass away without a will in place, the State of Florida will decide who gets your personal items. By making an appointment with an elder law attorney, you can ensure your possessions end up where you want them. There are also less expensive do-it-yourself options online, but I personally prefer collaborating with a professional attorney.

Something that seems simple and unimportant may have deep sentimental value to you and you should make sure they don’t get tossed aside. Who wants to have their special sports cards or album collection thrown away? How about family heirlooms? You can make sure your personal items go where you want them to go by having a will.

More importantly, a will also allows you to direct the disbursement of more valuable assets in the best way, including retirement plans, life insurance payouts, your home, car, stocks, etc. An attorney can help you

figure out the best way to save your heirs from headaches, lengthy settlements, and tax implications.

After you take care of loved ones, you have an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the causes you value. By remembering Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County (Habitat St. Johns) in your will and estate plans, more than likely that last gift will be far larger than the charitable gifts you made during your lifetime and will make a lasting impact on the Habitat St. Johns families served.

By leaving Habitat St. Johns in your will, your planned gift will help local, hardworking families, including teachers, first responders, hospital workers, CNAs, veterans, small business staff and others obtain a home of their own for their families. This new, well-built home will offer them newfound stability, security, and opportunity for generational wealth.

Recently, Habitat St. Johns received more than $50,000 from a donor who had never donated to us before. We would have loved to thank the donor for that amazing gift during their lifetime, but now that possibility is gone, along with their opportunity to see firsthand the joy such donations can produce.

Please let us know if you are leaving Habitat St. Johns in your estate plans, so we can thank you now and keep you informed of the work we are doing and our strategic plans for the future.

For information on making a will, contact your local bar association or a chapter of the Association of Charitable Gift Planners. If you have questions about contributing to Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County, please contact Tom Torretta at 904-826-3252 x2001 or by emailing [email protected].

We hope you will take this opportunity to make a will and leave a legacy for locals in St. Johns County through Habitat St. Johns!