July 2017

Do you have questions about estate planning? Planned giving? Your will? Each month, we feature new articles and interactive features. We also share news about the charitable endowments under the umbrella of Hindu Heritage Endowment.

The Murugan Temple of North America Puja Fund, fund #70, was created to insure the continuation of the daily pujas of the temple in Lanham, Maryland. Read more..."

9 Easy Ways to Build a Strong Estate Plan

Taking the time to create an estate plan can help you decide how to distribute the hard-earned resources you have accumulated throughout your lifetime. Follow this framework to build a plan that achieves your personal and charitable goals and recognizes the people and causes you cherish most.

1. Determine which people and charities should receive your assets and whether the gifts should be made outright or in a trust. Contact us to learn about the variety of ways to remember us in your estate plan.

2. Select a trusted family member, friend or responsible party—such as a bank or trust company—to administer your estate, which includes following the instructions in your will and distributing assets.

3. Prepare an advanced directive (also known as a health care power of attorney) to indicate who should make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. You should also decide if you want a living will, which directs that no extraordinary life-sustaining medical procedures will be used to prolong life when there is no hope of recovery.

4. Outline your funeral plans, including the names of people you want to be notified after your passing.

5. Calculate your net worth and list all of your financial assets, including bank account numbers, insurance policies and retirement plan assets.

6. Compile a list of all of your personal data, including Social Security number, date of birth and digital information, such as online accounts, user names and passwords.

7. Record the locations of important documents, such as your vehicle title, marriage certificate, copies of prior years’ tax returns, as well as the name of your accountant and estate planning attorney.

8. Ensure that your will is available outside of your safe-deposit box, which in some states can be closed when you die and not immediately accessible.

9. Consult an estate planning attorney or tax advisor for assistance as you develop your plan.

Share Your Good News! If you’re considering naming Hindu Heritage Endowment in your will as you make or update your estate plan, please let us know so we can ensure that your gift is used as you intended.