February 2019

Do you have questions about estate planning? Planned giving? Your will? Each month, we feature new articles and interactive features. We also share news about the charitable funds under the umbrella of Hindu Heritage Endowment.

The Bharati Yoga Dhama Fund, fund #82, provides for the maintenance, repair and improvement of this ashram in Mysore, India

Why Have a Will?

Regardless of your life circumstances or estate size, your will is perhaps the most important document you will create. It expresses your values and also effectively provides for the people and charitable causes important to you. If you’ve been putting it off, here are eight important reminders why you need a will.

1. Without a will, your state’s laws – not you – determine how, when and to whom your property is distributed.
2. You can reduce (or maybe even eliminate) future estate taxes.
3. You can name your executor (a person, bank or trust company you choose to personally represent you) to manage and settle your estate.
4. You can designate beneficiaries for items such as heirlooms, art, jewelry or real estate.
5. You may create trusts to provide for your spouse, children and others.
6. Through a “pour-over” will, you can transfer leftover assets to your living trust.
7. You can support Hindu Heritage Endowment through a gift in your will, which is simple, flexible and revocable at any time.
8. You can designate the guardian for dependents under your care.

We can help provide gift planning information to you and your professional advisors at no cost or obligation. Simply contact Hindu Heritage Endowment at 1-808-822-3012 x 6 or hhe@hindu.org.

To learn more about the importance of your will, visit our website at http://plannedgiving.hheonline.org/wills-and-living-trusts.

Important Reminder

If you already have a will, make sure it’s up-to-date. Life changes such as grown kids; births, deaths or marriages; increased estate value; or a move to another state should be a trigger to meet with your estate planning attorney to review your will.

Step by Step: How to Create Your Will

• List all of your major assets.
• Decide which individuals or organizations you want to receive specific possessions or a share of your assets.
• Contact an attorney who specializes in estate planning.
• Determine who will be your executor.
• Have your attorney draft your will.
• Sign and date it before witnesses. (In some states, it must be notarized to be valid.)
• Keep it in a safe place and make sure others know where it is and have access to it.