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The Parable of the Talents

"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money." Matthew 25: 14-18

Everyone Has a Will!

Have you ever heard anyone say, "I don't need a will, everyone knows what I want done with my "things" when I die?"   Whether you know it or not, you do have a "will."  If you do not create your own will, the state will determine how your property is distributed.  Unfortunately, that distribution will be done by a set of laws and regulations.

Although the state has good intentions, your loved ones may not receive what you intended for them.  In addition, there is no distribution available through state laws and regulations that allows for assets to go to  your church, favorite mission, or ministry that you have supported throughout your life.

If you want to be certain your wishes are carried out you must create a valid will.   

Gifts Made at Death

End of life gifts are the most popular type of gift of accumulated assets because they give you the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy while retaining full use of your property during your life.  While you receive no current income tax benefits through this type of gift, every single dollar is deductible for estate tax purposes.  If you want to direct where your assets ultimately go: to those family and special people you name, or to a charity...such as the ministries of your United Methodist Church, you must have a properly executed will. 

You work hard to earn, you strive to save, and in order to leave a legacy you must be a good steward of all God has given you, and make plans.