Wills

More people make charitable contributions while they are living than later through their wills. Fact is, most people never get around to making a will, a situation lawyers refer to as "intestate."

What about creating a will puts people off? One reason is that it is inconvenient to find a good attorney, make an appointment, and spend the time going through the process of gathering information and making decisions. It is much easier to put it off.

Another reason is the uneasiness people feel in having to contemplate their own death, or the death of a spouse. A will is something they plan to do later. Always later.

Reasons for postponement also may relate to the difficulty of dividing one's estate when family conflicts exist, or when one is unsure how wisely the inherited assets will be used.

Still others do not create a will because they consider it unimportant or irrelevant. They may think they have too few assets or assume incorrectly that everything will be distributed automatically and equally among all members of the family. They fail to understand the benefits of a will, not only in settling their estates according to their wishes, but in making things easier for the loved ones left behind.

The staff in the Development Office of the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation have seen the difference a will can make — witnessed the peace of mind it provides, not only for the person making the will, but also for family members. They have seen, as well, the results of bequests to the MMRF. Fine researchers and doctors work to find cures for diseases, treat patients who may otherwise go untreated and teach students who will provide your medical care in the future. Indeed, the MMRF depends on estate gifts to help serve future generations.

As you plan your will, please consider the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation as a beneficiary. Call the Development Office at 612-347-5165. The Development staff are also available to talk with you confidentially about your gift and estate plans.

The MMRF has a free booklet for you entitled TECHNIQUES FOR PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL WILL that includes helpful information about making a will. It also contains material on basic estate planning and ways you can use planned giving techniques to benefit your charitable interests, as well as yourself and your loved ones.

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