National Estate Planning Awareness Week: sharpen your axe. By: Bill Riek, KCH Associate Director of Gift Planning This week marks the annual observance of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, an initiative devoted to educating individuals about the importance of preparing for the future. Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH) is proud to support this national campaign and invites you to consider how thoughtful estate planning can leave a lasting impact on both your family and also on the important work done by the nonprofits you care about. Estate planning is akin to the wise saying by Abraham Lincoln, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Lincoln was referring to preparing for an upcoming debate with Stephen Douglas. He knew if he wasn't ready, Douglas could win the presidency and further expand slavery out west. His belief was that the delivery of the message was not nearly as important as crafting it. Just as Lincoln emphasized the importance of preparation, planning your estate is a crucial step, ensuring your intentions are honored, and your loved ones are protected. Taking the time to be fully prepared with a solid estate plan means your family doesn't have to chop through probate court with a dull blade. Many people delay estate planning, finding it daunting - or - presuming it's only for people with significant assets. However, it's a tool for everyone, regardless of estate size, to express your personal values and priorities. More importantly, having these plans in place can relieve stress on family members and can serve as an enduring testament to your life and legacy. If you don't have a will or a trust in place, Kansas City Hospice, Inc. is here to help! KCH partnered with FreeWill to help you create your plan at no cost. It generally takes about 20 minutes to complete your plan, but can give years of comfort and security. Whether you choose to make a gift to KCH, another nonprofit, or make no charitable gift at all, the process is always free to you! Visit KCHospice.org/Legacy for more information. During National Estate Planning Awareness Week, Kansas City Hospice, Inc. encourage you to reflect on how your personal legacy can be extended through charitable contributions. By including a gift to Kansas City Hospice in your estate plans, you're making an investment in quality end-of-life care for individuals and their families who rely on its services during vulnerable times. Your estate plan is an opportunity to support organizations like Kansas City Hospice that resonate with your life's values and experiences. Making a planned gift empowers you to continue making a difference long into the future. Kansas City Hospice provides comprehensive and compassionate hospice care to those facing life-limiting illnesses, helping them live each moment to its fullest with dignity and peace. Gifts from its generous donors ensure everyone in its community has access to high-quality, compassionate care, regardless of their financial situation. For more information on supporting Kansas City Hospice through a planned gift or to schedule a conversation about estate planning, please contact Bill Riek at [email protected]. Let's make this National Estate Planning Awareness Week a turning point for creating impactful, lasting legacies supporting family and community alike. Sharpen your axe today at KCHospice.org/Legacy.

Givens Philanthropy has partnered with FreeWill, a free online estate planning tool.