Myth 1: "Estate Planning is Only for the Wealthy"
When people think of estate planning, they often picture something reserved for the very wealthy—multi-million-dollar estates with a maze of financial assets. But estate planning is for everyone, regardless of income level or assets. Whether you have a small savings account, a beloved family home, or sentimental items you’d like to pass on, estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and provides peace of mind for your loved ones.
Why Estate Planning Matters for Everyone Many people think they don’t have enough to warrant a formal estate plan. But consider this: if you own property, have a bank account, or want to ensure your loved ones are taken care of, an estate plan helps manage these assets and honors your intentions. Estate planning goes beyond financial management; it’s also about ensuring that cherished items—like your grandmother’s wedding ring or your family’s vacation cabin—end up where you want them to go.
Estate Planning and Community Giving In addition to supporting your family, estate planning allows you to continue making a difference in your community after you’re gone. Through a planned gift to the Huron County Community Foundation, for example, even a small percentage of an estate can provide ongoing support to causes you care about, such as local schools, recreation projects, or organizations that uplift those in need.
Leaving a gift through your estate, no matter the size, can be a profound way to contribute to Huron County’s future. When many individuals contribute small gifts, they can collectively fund impactful projects that would not have been possible otherwise.
Your Legacy Can Last Forever One option with HCCF is to contribute to an existing permanent endowment fund. A permanent endowment fund ensures that your gift will continue to benefit the community forever. The funds are invested, and only the interest is used to support Huron County causes, meaning your gift will grow over time and continue to make a difference year after year. After you’ve allocated dollars to family members, consider giving to the permanent fund of an organization you’ve supported through your lifetime.
Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated Creating an estate plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. HCCF works closely with local professional advisors to make charitable giving as simple as possible for you. With a quick consultation, you can determine what’s right for your family and community, and your gift can be tailored to match your interests and passions.
Consider Your Legacy—However Big or Small Estate planning is about peace of mind and making your values last beyond your lifetime. Your assets, even a small amount, can shape the future of Huron County. To start planning your legacy, reach out to us at HCCF and speak with your estate planning professional about the many options available.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.