This is my memorial to all generations. Exodus 3:15

In the next 40 years, over $10 trillion nationally will be inherited by baby-boomer children from their parents. Despite this tremendous transfer of wealth, studies show that about 60 percent of Americans of legal age do not have a will.

Hillcrest has joined nearly 100 other non-profits, financial institutions, and professional advisors in our area in a national collaborative effort know as Leave a Legacy. Our goal is to encourage people from all walks of life to develop a will, participate in estate planning and remember charities in their will.

With a well-written will, you can avoid many problems in the estate settlement process and reduce your estate tax liability. Estates are not only reserved for the wealthy. Do you have a bank account, a home, savings bonds, life insurance, securities, or a pension? If so, then you have an estate.

In turn, a bequest doesn’t have to be large. Just imagine the impact if each donor or volunteer left a $500 bequest to Hillcrest in their will?

How you can Leave a Legacy :

• Prepare a will.
• Leave a gift in your will for charities that have made a difference in your life or whose mission is close to your values. You can designate a specific amount, a certain percentage, or the remainder after bequests are made to heirs and expenses and taxes are paid.
• Consider using assets such as stocks, bonds, Certificates of Deposit, or real estate for your charitable gift.
• Name Hillcrest as the beneficiary of your IRA or pension fund.
• Name Hillcrest as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy.
• Purchase a new life insurance policy, naming Hillcrest as the beneficiary.
• Remember deceased loved ones with memorial gifts to Hillcrest.
• Encourage family members and friends to make wills and to leave gifts to charities in their wills.
• Ask your financial advisors to include charitable giving as part of their counsel to other clients.

For a further information and a copy of the booklet, Making a Christian Will, please call , Director of Development, at 563-583-7357, toll free at 877-437-6333, or click here. It is recommended that you check with your lawyer, estate planner or financial advisors.