By Julio R. Arias

Most people avoid or delay estate planning. Perhaps it’s because the term sounds legal and mystifying, but it tends to end up on the “to do later” list. Few ever get around to it, causing problems for the family left behind.

Let me define estate planning and highlight some of its benefits. An estate, according to Merriam-Webster, “is all of the things that a person owns,” including land, possessions and other assets. Of course, everything we possess comes from God. “Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all . . .” (1 Chronicles 29:12, NKJV). We are stewards of the wealth God gives us. Planning is a familiar term, which means “thinking on and organizing things in order to reach a specific goal.”

When individuals engage in estate planning, they are organizing their affairs and preparing written instructions to effectively reflect their wishes for the transfer of their estate— or wealth—to their designated beneficiaries when they die.

Planning for this unavoidable life event is important, especially to those who believe wholeheartedly that we are stewards. When individuals neglect to complete this task during their lifetime, it falls to the courts to decide how their assets will be disbursed. This delays the transfer of assets to beneficiaries and diminishes the value of the estate, much of which can be spent on court costs and legal fees.

Although some may see estate planning as a difficult or indelicate topic, it is the trust officer’s duty to assist our members in making these plans. Working with attorneys, paralegals and other professionals, trust officers prepare legally sound wills and trusts that reflect individual wishes.

There are many advantages to proactively planning your estate. Peace of mind is an invaluable benefit to both you and your family. When your wishes are defined in a legal document before you die, both you and your family can relax in the knowledge that your wishes will be followed.

Making adequate provision for your family is another benefit of estate planning. We spend our lives accumulating assets—and then spend more time planning for vacations than preparing for what will happen to our possessions after we are gone! In the parable of the foolish rich man, Jesus told the congregation, “ . . . Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20, NKJV). By planning your estate in advance, you can transfer the possessions acquired during your lifetime to the beneficiaries you legally designate at a minimum cost to them and to the estate.

An additional benefit of estate planning is the power to select the recipients of your estate. In accordance with your instructions, your estate can be transferred directly to your spouse and/or children with minimal disruption. You also have the opportunity to leave a legacy that will honor God. Consider including the church as part of your estate plans. Since our prosperity comes from God, it is important that we take the opportunity to express our gratitude by support- ing the labor of His servants and sustaining His institutions.

The RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services Department can assist you in starting your estate planning. If you have questions about how to benefit through planned giving, visit www.rmcsda.org or call (303) 282-3640.

–Julio R. Arias is RMC stewardship coordinator and field representative for planned giving and trust services.