Why You Should Have an Estate Plan (Now)

Did you know that 7 out of 10 people will die without an estate plan in place? Research shows that only 34 percent of people have wills, let alone other documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives. Without an estate plan, you have no control over how your assets are used after you pass. But as Christians we are called to steward everything God gives us well — including our estates. If we plan ahead, we can use our resources to bless the next generation of believers and continue to have Kingdom impact after we are gone.

Though it may be a tough topic to consider, it’s always better to establish a plan sooner rather than later. Being proactive allows you to specifically utilize what you have for the glory of God rather than letting the chips fall where they may, depending on the laws in your state. Most people know they need to do these things, but they feel they don’t have the financial know-how to take it on. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate it alone. There are options available — some foundations even conduct faith-based estate planning services as a ministry at little or no cost — to enlist to help you. Many also have free resources available online to help you determine next steps.

Don’t waste an opportunity to use your legacy to bless your family and the next generation of believers by procrastinating. Your influence may stretch beyond what you can imagine today. Below are a few resources to help you get started:

Tennessee Baptist Foundation – Free, helpful resources including ebooks and infographics on faith-based estate planning.

LegalZoom – Easy-to-navigate legal documents for estate planning all in one place

Everplans Research Study – More statistics on estate planning in the U.S.

Presbyterian Foundation – Free, helpful estate planning tools

AARP – Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning