August is Make a Will Month

August is Make a Will Month, a timely reminder to take an important step toward protecting the people, possessions and causes that matter most to you. 

Creating a will may not always be at the top of your to-do list. It can be easy to think, “I’ll get to it someday.” But having a plan in place can provide peace of mind for you and clarity for your loved ones. A will allows you to make your wishes known and helps ensure that your assets are distributed according to your intentions. 

And while planning for the future is about taking care of those closest to you, it can also be an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the organizations and causes you care about, including the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation.

Why Make a Will? 

It is an opportunity to make thoughtful decisions about your future and provide guidance for the people you love. If you don’t currently have a will, this is a great time to get started. If you already have one, take time to review your plan and make sure it still reflects your wishes. 

As you begin, consider: 

• Taking inventory of your assets. Make a list of bank accounts, investments, real estate, personal property and other assets.

• Reviewing your beneficiaries. Check the beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other accounts to make sure they are current.

• Choosing an executor. Think about who you trust to carry out the wishes outlined in your will and have a conversation with that person before naming them.

• Your charitable priorities. If there are organizations or causes that have made a meaningful difference in your life, you may want to consider including them in your estate plans. 

Major life changes, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, or significant changes to your finances, may be a reason to update your estate plan. It should reflect your individual circumstances, so consider working with a qualified estate-planning attorney or financial professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation. 

Leave a Legacy for Alpha Xi Delta 

For many Sisters, Alpha Xi Delta is more than an organization they joined in college. It is a lifelong connection to friendships, experiences, mentors, leadership opportunities and a Sisterhood that continues through every stage of life. 

One way to ensure that connection continues for generations to come is through a planned gift to the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation. 

The Society of 1893 recognizes alumnae and friends who have named the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation as a beneficiary of their estate plans. You can become a member of the Society of 1893 by naming Alpha Xi Delta Foundation as a beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan or insurance policy. 

Planned gifts can take many forms. A bequest through your will is one of the most common and straightforward ways to make a planned gift. You might choose to leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, a particular asset or a portion of what remains after other obligations and beneficiaries have been addressed. 

When you include Alpha Xi Delta in your estate plans, you are helping ensure future generations of Sisters can experience the same sense of belonging, opportunity and support that has meant so much to you. 

Your legacy can become part of someone else’s Alpha Xi Delta story. 

Already Have a Will? You Can Still Make an Impact. 

If you already have an estate plan, consider taking a few minutes this August to review it. 

If you have already included Alpha Xi Delta in your estate plans, we would love to know. By notifying the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation, you can ensure that your intentions are documented and allow us to properly recognize you as a member of the Society of 1893. Email foundation@alphaxidelta.org, call us at 317-872-3500 or fill out this form.

And if Alpha Xi Delta isn’t currently part of your plans, this Make a Will Month could be the perfect time to consider adding your sisterhood to your legacy.