Making Your Legacy Count: An Introduction to Wills and Estate Planning
August 31, 2026 | Giving at Kline Galland, Health & Wellness, Resources
For decades, you worked hard to build the life you have today. Every dollar saved, account established, and piece of property owned represents years of discipline and sacrifice.
Without a clear plan, state laws step in to decide what happens to your assets after your death. Passing away without a plan leaves local courts to distribute your property, forcing families through what can be long, expensive, and painful legal processes during an already difficult time.
Understanding the difference between a will and an estate plan
Many people assume that estate planning is only for the wealthy, or that writing a will is all it takes to protect their life’s work.
In fact, research from AARP shows that while over 90% of adults know how important an estate plan is, more than 50% still don’t have one. Most people put it off assuming they don’t have enough assets, but an estate plan is about more than dividing wealth.
- A will: Outlines who receives your assets after you pass away
- An estate plan: Combines a will with additional tools like financial and medical powers of attorney, advance directives, and trusts
A complete estate plan allows you to manage assets during your lifetime, protect your financial priorities and privacy, and appoint a trusted person to handle your accounts if you ever face an illness or injury.
Removing the burden from loved ones
Leaving your affairs unorganized can create unintended stress for loved ones. This is especially tough on adult children who are balancing their young families and careers while stepping in to support you as you age.
Without clear paperwork, family members are left in a difficult spot. They may struggle to gain legal access to bank accounts to pay bills or face unnecessary confusion over how to divide physical property or real estate. A complete plan gives your family a clear roadmap so they can fulfill your wishes without feeling like they’re making the wrong decision.
Leaving a mark through philanthropy
Estate planning is one way to reflect your values. Beyond taking care of family, many people find great personal satisfaction by directing a portion of what you built toward causes you hold close.
Data from the National Philanthropic Trust shows that everyday individuals, not just those considered ultra-wealthy, make up most of the charitable giving in our country, including tens of billions left through wills each year.
When exploring philanthropic options, consider what matters to you. Some contribute to one main cause, while others give back to a variety of needs. Whether it’s food banks, environmental conservation, education, healthcare, or another worthy cause, your contribution demonstrates your values.
What is planned giving, and how might it help Kline Galland?
Planned gifts or legacy giving allows donors to support non-profit organizations through bequests, trusts, insurance, charitable gift annuities, and other giving strategies. Some gifts may also provide attractive tax incentives and lifetime income.
As a nonprofit organization, Kline Galland depends on our community of supporters to help fill the gap between the cost of providing the highest quality programs and services and shrinking government reimbursement rates.
Through Kline Galland’s planned giving opportunities, your support helps ensure we continue to provide the excellent, compassionate senior care our community has relied on for over a century.
At its core, estate planning is a way to honor the people and places that influence your life. When you’re ready to begin organizing your thoughts, our free estate planning guide offers a simple, low-pressure place to start exploring your goals and family details.
Our knowledgeable Philanthropy Team is also available to help you explore different estate planning options. For more information, please contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Nate Nusbaum at NateN@klinegalland.org.
With information from AARP, Fidelity, National Philanthropic Trust, Smart Asset and Trust & Will.
Additional sources: Read Kline Galland pages to learn about charitable giving opportunities, programs, what the funds support, where to download the free guide.