October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month and there’s no better time to explore how to leave a legacy for a cause that is meaningful to you. Including the ASPCA in your estate plan is a great way to support animals nationwide. It costs nothing now but will provide crucial support to animals in need in the future. 

Up to 70% of Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan, but the Covid-19 pandemic has increased interest in creating one – even among young adults. While it can be intimidating to start thinking about estate planning, there are many easy ways for individuals of all ages to make a plan for their assets without even needing a lawyer. 

A beneficiary designation on a retirement plan, bank or investment account or life insurance policy costs nothing now but allows you to include the ASPCA in your future charitable giving without having to consult an attorney. Beneficiary designations are some of the easiest planned gifts to make. Your retirement plan administrator, Human Resources Department or the financial institution that holds your account(s) can provide you with the necessary beneficiary designation form to complete. You still retain complete ownership of your accounts to spend during your later years and any leftover funds will go to the ASPCA.

You can even name multiple beneficiaries! The ASPCA can be a full or partial beneficiary of any portion of those assets. Another option is to name us as a contingent beneficiary to inherit those assets should your primary beneficiary not survive you.

For more information on how you can make a difference for animals in need through planned giving, please contact the ASPCA’s Office of Gift Planning at (212) 876-7700 ext. 4505, or by email at [email protected]. You can also find more information in the Planned Giving section of our website.
 

Don’t forget about your pets!

While making an estate plan is important so you can have control over where you want your assets to go, it’s also helpful to consider making a plan for your pets in case something were to happen to you. You can see more on pet planning to get started and to request your free pet planning packet.