American Heart Association Offers Free Estate Planning Webinar During National Awareness Week

In a move to promote financial literacy and responsible estate planning, the American Heart Association (AHA) has announced a free webinar scheduled for October 22, 2024, as part of National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This virtual event aims to provide individuals with essential tools and knowledge to protect their assets and loved ones while considering charitable giving options.

The webinar comes at a critical time, with recent data indicating that an estimated $84.4 trillion worth of financial assets will be transferred through estates over the next few decades. This massive wealth transfer underscores the importance of proper estate planning for individuals across all economic backgrounds.

Marsha Jones, AHA volunteer board chair and former executive vice president of The PNC Financial Services Group, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "National Estate Planning Awareness Week enables the American Heart Association to provide this tremendous resource to help people make informed financial planning decisions." The webinar will cover basic principles of financial planning, offer free planning tools and resources, and provide information on how charitable bequests can benefit organizations like the AHA.

The event will feature expert speakers including Ed Rodbro, senior charitable estate planning advisor, Kevin C. Cuthill from Cuthill Financial Group, and Leslie K. Heffernen from Pitcairn Trust Company. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with these experts through a live Q&A session, making the webinar an interactive and valuable experience.

As the AHA celebrates its centennial year, the organization is highlighting the impact of planned giving on its mission. Over $3 billion in contributions from planned gifts has enabled the AHA to maintain its position as the leading non-governmental funder of cardiovascular scientific research, having contributed more than $5 billion in research funding since 1949.

The webinar also aims to educate participants about the Paul Dudley White Legacy Society, which recognizes donors who choose to give a legacy gift through charitable estate planning. This society, named after one of the AHA's founders, continues to drive the organization's work as it enters its second century of service.

By offering this free webinar, the AHA is not only providing a valuable service to individuals seeking to secure their financial future but also potentially fostering a new generation of philanthropists. As the organization looks ahead to its next century of work, it remains focused on its mission to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease.

The implications of this initiative extend beyond individual financial planning. By encouraging thoughtful estate planning that includes charitable giving, the AHA is working to ensure continued funding for critical cardiovascular research and public health initiatives. This approach could have far-reaching effects on public health and scientific advancement in the coming decades.

As the wealth transfer between generations continues, events like this webinar play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of estate planning and the potential for leaving a lasting impact through charitable bequests. The AHA's initiative serves as a model for how non-profit organizations can engage with potential donors while providing a valuable public service.

Interested individuals are required to register in advance for the webinar through the AHA's website. This free event represents an opportunity for people to take proactive steps towards securing their financial legacy while potentially contributing to lifesaving research and initiatives in the field of cardiovascular health.