The Power of Estate Planning

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month—a reminder that estate planning protects loved ones and ensures your values endure.

Experts & Opinions

Published: October 22, 2025

National Estate Planning Awareness MONTH: Protect What Matters, Shape Your Legacy

October marks National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a timely reminder that creating an estate plan is about more than dividing assets—it’s about protecting loved ones, easing difficult decisions, and ensuring that your values live on.

The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils established this observance after discovering how many Americans lacked even the most basic plans. Without a will or trust in place, families are left to navigate costly, time-consuming, and often stressful state-imposed default processes.

We asked local advisors to share what they most want people to know about estate planning.

Conversations Come First

Chad Roberts, estate attorney with Harris Shelton, emphasizes that communication is at the heart of an effective plan. “It’s not only about the legal documents you create, but also the conversations you have with loved ones,” he says. By clearly sharing your wishes—and the reasons behind them—you can prevent confusion, ease tough decisions, and lessen the burden on family and friends.

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Intentionality Builds Legacy

Jason Salomon, attorney with Harkavy McDaniel Kaplan & Salomon, notes that charitable giving is an essential part of estate planning conversations. “When clients talk about their passions, philanthropic goals, and finances, it opens the door to lasting impact,” he says. Whether you’re ready to put intentions in writing or just beginning the discussion, don’t wait for someone else to raise the topic—start the conversation.

Practical Next Steps

Rob Hughes, Vice President of Development at Porter-Leath and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, offers these tips for weaving charitable giving into your estate plan:

Include your favorite charities in your will or trust. A simple step that ensures your generosity continues beyond your lifetime.
Let charities know your plans. This helps them understand what matters most to you and honor your legacy as you intend.
Explore donor-advised funds. These flexible tools—offered by the Community Foundation—allow you to support causes you love both now and in the future.

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Take Action Today

Estate planning is an act of care and stewardship for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and make a difference in the community.

During National Estate Planning Awareness Week, we encourage you to:

Review or create your will and beneficiary designations
Talk with your family about your wishes
Meet with an experienced estate planning attorney
Consider how charitable giving can be part of your legacy

Don’t leave your future—or your impact—to chance. By planning today, you ensure your assets, your values, and your generosity continue to shape a stronger community tomorrow.