The American Heart Association is providing valuable financial planning resources to the public as National Estate Planning Awareness Week approaches from October 21-27. The organization, celebrating its centennial year, will host a free webinar on Tuesday, October 22, aimed at helping individuals navigate the complex world of estate planning. The timing of this event is particularly significant, as recent data indicates an estimated $84.4 trillion worth of financial assets will be transferred through estates over the next few decades. This massive transfer of wealth underscores the importance of proper estate planning for individuals and families across the country.
The webinar, scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, will cover essential principles of financial planning for the future. Participants will gain access to free planning tools and resources to help create or update their estate plans. The event will also provide information on how charitable bequests can be used to leave meaningful gifts to organizations like the American Heart Association. Ed Rodbro, senior charitable estate planning advisor, will host the interactive session. Featured speakers include 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 ask questions directly to these experts during the live event.
Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair, 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 part of the American Heart Association's broader efforts to secure its mission for the future. As the organization enters its second century, it remains focused on improving health outcomes through scientific research and public health education. Planned giving plays a crucial role in sustaining these efforts, with more than $3 billion contributed from planned gifts enabling the Association to maintain its position as the top non-governmental funder of cardiovascular scientific research.
Donors who choose to give a legacy gift through charitable estate planning are recognized as members of the Paul Dudley White Legacy Society, named after one of the American Heart Association's founders. This recognition highlights the lasting impact that individuals can have on the organization's mission to save and improve lives. The free estate planning webinar represents an important opportunity for individuals to gain valuable insights into securing their financial future while also learning about ways to support charitable causes. As the transfer of wealth through estates continues to grow, events like this play a crucial role in educating the public on responsible financial planning and the potential for leaving a lasting legacy. Those interested in participating in the webinar can register online at https://www.heart.org/plan. Additional resources on estate planning and charitable giving are available through the American Heart Association's website.
