August is National Make a Will Month—a time to pause, plan ahead, and think about the people and causes that mean the most to us.
Talking about wills and estate planning can feel uncomfortable. We often think of these conversations as being about what happens after we’re gone. But perhaps there’s another way to look at it.
Creating a will is an act of love.
It’s a way of caring for the people who matter most, making your wishes clear and giving your family the reassurance that you have a plan. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the values, organizations and causes that have made a difference in your life—and consider how you might continue supporting them for generations to come.
Planning Is a Gift to Those You Love
A will is a legal document that allows you to specify how you want certain assets distributed after your death. Depending on your circumstances, it can also name an executor to carry out your wishes.
But its value goes beyond paperwork.
Without a will, decisions about your estate may be left to state law. Your loved ones may also be left to sort through difficult questions at an already emotional time.
Having a plan can help provide clarity when your family needs it most.
It can answer questions such as:
Taking the time to answer those questions today can be a thoughtful gift to your family tomorrow.
Your Life Changes. Your Plan Should, Too.
Creating a will isn't necessarily something you do once and forget about.
Life changes. Families grow. Relationships change. Financial circumstances evolve. Grandchildren arrive. Loved ones pass away. You may move to a new state, purchase or sell property, retire or experience other major life changes.
Any of these can be a reason to review your estate plan.
Even if your circumstances haven't changed, it's a good idea to periodically revisit your documents and make sure they still reflect your wishes.
And remember, your will is only one part of an estate plan. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies, powers of attorney, and health care directives are also important pieces of the larger picture.
If you have questions about your individual circumstances, an estate-planning attorney or other qualified professional can help you understand your options.
It's About More Than What You Leave Behind
Estate planning naturally makes us think about possessions—homes, savings, investments, jewelry, heirlooms and other things we've accumulated throughout our lives.
But a meaningful legacy isn't measured only by what we own.
It's also reflected in what we value.
Maybe it's the importance of family. The lessons we taught our children. The traditions we passed down. The people we helped. The community we supported. The causes we believed in.
For many people, a legacy includes the organizations that have touched their hearts and the missions they want to see continue.
That is where planned giving can become especially meaningful.
Leaving a Legacy of Love
A charitable gift through your will, often called a bequest, can provide support for an organization you care about long after your lifetime. It can be a meaningful way to make sure a mission that matters to you continues for future generations.
For friends and supporters of Air Force Enlisted Village, a planned gift can help ensure that the AFEV mission continues to provide a safe, caring community for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen and assisted living and memory care support for members of the Air Force family.
For more than 50 years, AFEV has been built on the belief that those who have sacrificed for our country deserve to be cared for. Every resident, volunteer, donor, and friend who has been part of this community has helped shape that legacy.
A planned gift is one way to help carry it forward.
The James C. Binnicker Legacy Society
The James C. Binnicker Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have chosen to include Air Force Enlisted Village in their estate plans.
These thoughtful gifts help provide a foundation for the future, allowing AFEV to continue its mission for generations of Air Force families to come.
Whether a planned gift is large or small, what matters is the love behind it—the desire to make a difference and to help ensure that a mission you believe in continues.
If you have already included AFEV in your estate plans, we would be honored to know so we can recognize you as a member of the James C.Binnicker Legacy Society. Learn more HERE.
If you are considering a planned gift, our Development team welcomes the opportunity to provide information and answer questions. You can contact them at 850-651-3766 or at info@afev.us.
Start With One Small Step
You don't have to have all the answers today.
Start by gathering your important documents. Make a list of your assets. Think about the people and causes you want to care for. Review your beneficiaries. Talk with your loved ones. And if you need help, seek guidance from a qualified estate-planning professional.
The important thing is to begin.
This August, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind. Take some time to create or revisit your estate plan—and think about the legacy of love you want to leave behind.
Because a will is more than a document.
It's a promise to care.
It's a way to make your wishes known.
And it's an opportunity to help the things you love continue long after you're gone.
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