National Make-A-Will Month in August Reminds People to Make their Wishes Known

Gardner-Webb University Provides FreeWill Resource to Easily Create Legal Will

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—August is national Make-A-Will Month, a reminder to the 70% of adults in the U.S. who do not have a will. Common reasons people give for not writing a will include it’s too costly, and it takes too long. Gardner-Webb University’s partnership with FreeWill can help with both. Using this resource is easy, takes less than 30 minutes, and is entirely free. All estate plans made using FreeWill are 100% legal and specifically tailored to the individual’s jurisdiction.

With FreeWill, many people create their estate plans and choose to leave a gift to a cause they care about. Tami Ruckman, a 1983 Gardner-Webb alumna and former GWU advancement officer, made a commitment to give to her alma mater in her will. She wanted to support the place that not only gave her an education, but also enriched her life with lasting friendships. “Gardner-Webb’s impact on me and my friends went far beyond education,” Ruckman reflected. “Even after 40+ years, I talk to someone from my class every single day. We experienced something exceedingly rare and wonderful that has lasted a lifetime.”

Ruckman is also grateful for the generosity of those who made her education possible. “My parents paid for most of my education, but I will always appreciate the strangers who funded scholarships and helped lighten their financial load,” she asserted. “I want other students to have the same opportunities and experiences that my friends and I had.”

While 98% of individuals give to charities annually, fewer than 9% include a gift in their will. Yet, this simple act can have a lasting impact, ensuring that future students have access to the same education, values, and opportunities that shaped their lives. “Those of us with average incomes can often make a much larger gift through our will than we ever could with cash,” Ruckman explained. “That’s why I’m leaving a percentage of whatever remains to Gardner-Webb, with the intent that it be used for scholarships. It’s the largest gift I’ll ever make, and it didn’t cost me a cent!”

Having a will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love. Creating a will prevents family conflict, eliminates confusion, and ensures your assets go to the people you most want to have them. It also gives your family guidance and reassurance that they can fulfill your wishes during what is likely a very difficult time for them.

Since FreeWill’s national launch in 2017, more than 1 million people have made their estate plan using FreeWill; more than $10 billion has been contributed to charity through legacy gifts; and one in five FreeWill will-makers has left a gift to charity.

Already made your will?

Estate attorneys recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, or whenever you have a big life event (like getting married, moving states, or having a grandchild).

During August, consider taking 15 minutes to look over your will and make sure it’s up to date with your current preferences. Make sure you’ve named beneficiaries of your non-probate assets, like your life insurance policies or retirement accounts. You can name a charity as a beneficiary of these assets as another great way to leave a lasting impact.

Learn more about Gardner-Webb’s FreeWill resource here.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.