As National Estate Planning Awareness Week approaches, the American Heart Association is stepping up to address a critical gap in financial preparedness. An estimated 56% of Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan, leaving their financial wellness and their loved ones' futures at risk. To help change that, the Association will host a free educational webinar, "Your Legacy, Your Way: Estate Planning for Peace of Mind," on Tuesday, October 20, at 1 p.m. Eastern/noon Central/10 a.m. Pacific.
The webinar is designed for both first-time planners and those reviewing existing plans. Lee Shapiro, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures, emphasized the broader purpose of estate planning: "Estate planning is about more than financial documents. It is an opportunity to make thoughtful decisions for the people and causes that matter to you the most," Shapiro said. "This webinar will offer clear information and practical steps to allow you to begin or revisit your estate plans with greater confidence."
Featured speakers include attorney Megan Kelly, with Megan M. Kelly Law, and Trent Grzegorczyk, wealth manager with Corso Wealth. They will explain estate planning fundamentals, including essential documents, key decisions, and practical next steps. The session will cover documents commonly included in an estate plan, key decisions involved in planning for the future, considerations for reviewing an existing plan, and actionable steps to make the process feel more manageable. Everyone who registers will receive a collection of estate planning guides for instant download. Advance registration is required at heart.org/plan.
The implications of this webinar extend beyond individual financial health. For residents of Long Beach and surrounding areas, estate planning is a crucial tool for protecting families and ensuring that personal wishes are honored. Without a plan, assets may be distributed according to state law, potentially causing unintended hardship. Moreover, planned giving through estates can provide sustained support for lifesaving research and community health programs. The American Heart Association notes that legacy gifts are vital to its role as the nation's leading non-governmental funder of cardiovascular research, with more than $6.3 billion invested in scientific discovery since 1949. Donors who choose to give a legacy gift through charitable financial planning are recognized as members of the Paul Dudley White Legacy Circle, a designation within the Cor Vitae Society.
For those seeking additional resources, including information about wills and beneficiary designations, the Association offers guidance during National Estate Planning Awareness Week at heart.org/NEPAW. More comprehensive American Heart Association charitable estate planning information is also available online. The webinar represents a proactive step toward closing the estate planning gap, empowering individuals to make informed decisions that protect their loved ones and support the causes they care about.
