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Keeping Your Estate Plan in Order

“Making a charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways to support the causes you care about.”

Portrait of Beth McNally, Gift Planning's Estate Administrator at TNC's Worldwide Office in Arlington, Virginia. © Erika Nortemann/TNC

Have you left the Conservancy in your estate plans? If so, share your plans with us. © TNC

Posted by Beth McNally, Estate Gift Administrator

It's a good idea to revisit your will periodically to be sure that it is in order and up-to-date and to ensure that your estate plan is executed as effortlessly as possible. This careful planning will help your family and your beneficiaries carry out your wishes.

Here are some important tips to help you keep your estate plan in order:

Keep an updated record of your financial assets.
Update your estate plan after any major family event such as retirement, illness, moving out of state, death of a spouse or the birth of a grandchild.
Make sure that someone knows where your original will or trust is located—and that it is not in a safe-deposit box to which no one has access. Also be sure that your executor or trustee has a copy of your will or trust.
Make a list of your tangible personal property, such as your clothing, jewelry, household furniture and car.
Destroy invalid wills or trusts as directed by your attorney.

Making a charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways to support the causes you care about. Bequests are also one of the most important means of helping the Conservancy attain our ambitious conservation goals. At The Nature Conservancy, our work is a reflection of the dedication of each of our supporters, especially those who have chosen to leave a legacy for nature. Find out how you can make a commitment to the future of our natural world. Are we already in your will? Let us know so we can thank you and include you in our Legacy Club!

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