A Lasting Legacy

by Walt Wheeler, 33˚, Director of Charities

Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? For many who have been putting off this important task, I hope this reminder serves as the motivation needed to finally sit down and create a last will and testament. Once begun, many find the process isn’t as long or tedious as anticipated.

Two reasons to write your will:

1. A will is an important legal document that everyone should have. This powerful document lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you pass. 2.

2. A will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love. Your final wishes are stated, and heirs have a direction to carry these out.

For those who already have a will in place, a word of friendly advice: take 15 minutes to look over your existing will and make sure it’s up to date with your current preferences. Estate attorneys recommend reviewing your will every three to five years. You may also consider taking a few extra minutes to make sure you’ve named beneficiaries of your non-probate assets, such as your life insurance policies and/or retirement accounts. You can even name a charity as a beneficiary of your assets as a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact on the philanthropic work near and dear to your heart.

Brothers have made a difference in the history of the Scottish Rite by leaving a gift to our Scottish Rite Charities.

As much as we try, none of us live forever. Yet there are ways to continue making a positive impact on this world long after you leave it. One of these ways is by donating to a charity in your will.

Your gift can be in the form of:

• A cash sum;

• A particular property or asset;

• A share, or the whole, of your residuary estate (what’s left after other specified gifts, costs, and tax).

George A. Newbury Cornerstone Society

Brothers have made a difference in the history of the Scottish Rite by leaving a gift to our Scottish Rite Charities. Many of our Charities were established or sustained through generous supporters remembering our work in their wills. Named for one of the Fraternity’s greatest builders, the George A. Newbury Cornerstone Society was created to acknowledge those who have made a lasting investment through will provisions in the life-changing efforts of Scottish Rite Charities.

Brethren, a Call to Action!

As Grand Treasurer General for the Supreme Council, my charge is to help keep the Scottish Rite NMJ’s financial house in order. I’d like to encourage you to make sure your personal financial house is in order by writing or reviewing your will today. And whether you are creating or revising your will, please consider including a provision to include the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation as a beneficiary. Many of our Brothers have already generously included Scottish Rite Charities in their estate plans. Thank you to all who have done so. Too often we are unaware of these very meaningful and personal planned gifts until a Brother passes away, a lost opportunity for you to be recognized and celebrated during your lifetime.

If you have not done so, please let us know of your intentions to include Scottish Rite Charities in your estate plans, so we can include you as a member of our Cornerstone Society.

Questions? Please Reach Out.

It is always recommended that you consult your financial/tax advisor or attorney before you make your estate plans.

For more information about joining the Newbury Cornerstone Society or how to include Scottish Rite Charities in your estate plans, please contact our office.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.