by Bryon Swanson

One night last week, I was watching television with my family. During the program's commercial break, a very professional ad came onto the screen. It was from one of the national charities that serve the needs of the poor. You would recognize the name if I shared it here. In that 30-second spot, they asked me to consider naming the organization as a beneficiary of my estate plan. I do not know what kind of response this generates, but it made me stop and think.

What is estate planning? Why are we hearing so much about it these days? This article is meant as a starting point for the thought process. Just the words "estate planning" conjure up fear and loathing, but the central concept is quite simple--transfer what you have to those you leave behind. However, putting the actual estate plan into action can be as simple or as tricky and complicated as is possible.

It is critical to involve a qualified attorney in the process. Some people need their trusted accountant to give a seal of approval as well. However, two principles are more important than any other opinion that is offered about estate planning:

• This is a process you control.
• The design of the estate plan is built upon the foundation of what you want to accomplish.

Again, if you take away the stigma and fearfulness, estate planning boils down to some very basic ingredients.

• Ownership of assets

• Who gets what, when and how

• Being tax-wise

The process of estate planning is very much like putting the pieces of a puzzle together.

• The goals and desires of the individual or couple doing the planning create the pieces.

• The estate planner takes his knowledge of the process (rules, laws and techniques) and puts them to work for the individual or couple.

• This process gives the individual or couple the power and ability to control what will happen. The plan is shaped by their values and interests rather than being relinquished to the whims of others, or to the will provided by each state for those who die without an estate plan. 

Proper estate planning becomes the steward's final testimony of faithfulness to the Lord.

For questions or comments related to this topic, please use our AP Finder to contact an Assistant to the President assigned to your area. Thank you!