In response to the anticipated transfer of $84.4 trillion in financial assets through estates over the next few decades, the American Heart Association is offering a free estate planning webinar to help individuals navigate this complex process. The virtual event, scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, aims to provide crucial information on establishing financial plans to protect oneself, loved ones, and assets for the future.
The webinar, coinciding with National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 21-27), will cover the fundamental principles of financial planning and offer free tools and resources for creating or updating estate plans. Participants will also learn about the potential impact of including charitable bequests in their estate plans, including how such gifts can support organizations like the American Heart Association.
Hosted by Ed Rodbro, senior charitable estate planning advisor, the event will feature expert speakers Kevin C. Cuthill, principal of Cuthill Financial Group, and Leslie K. Heffernen, managing director of fiduciary and legal services at Pitcairn Trust Company. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these experts through a live question-and-answer session.
Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and former executive vice president and chief diversity officer for The PNC Financial Services Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "National Estate Planning Awareness Week enables the American Heart Association to provide this tremendous resource to help people make informed financial planning decisions," Jones stated.
The webinar is particularly significant as the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial year. Over the past century, the organization has contributed to substantial improvements in health outcomes, including halving the death rate from cardiovascular disease. As it enters its second century, the Association remains committed to saving and improving lives through scientific research and public health education.
Planned giving has played a crucial role in the American Heart Association's impact. More than $3 billion in contributions from planned gifts has enabled the organization to maintain its position as the leading non-governmental funder of cardiovascular scientific research, contributing over $5 billion in research funding since 1949.
Donors who choose to include the American Heart Association in their estate plans are recognized as members of the Paul Dudley White Legacy Society, named after one of the organization's founders. Dr. White's vision of improved research, treatment, and education in cardiovascular care continues to drive the Association's work into its next century of service.
This webinar represents a significant opportunity for individuals to gain valuable insights into estate planning while also learning about the potential for leaving a lasting legacy through charitable giving. As the transfer of wealth between generations accelerates, understanding these financial planning tools becomes increasingly important for both personal and philanthropic purposes.
The American Heart Association's initiative underscores the growing need for accessible financial education and planning resources. By offering this free webinar, the organization is not only helping individuals secure their financial futures but also potentially fostering a new generation of philanthropic support for critical health research and initiatives.
As the landscape of wealth transfer evolves, events like this webinar play a crucial role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their estates. The potential impact of these decisions extends beyond personal financial security, potentially influencing the future of medical research and public health initiatives for generations to come.
