With an estimated 56% of Americans lacking an up-to-date estate plan, the American Heart Association is stepping in to demystify the process during National Estate Planning Awareness Week, October 19-25. The organization will host a free 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 session targets both first-time planners and those reviewing existing plans, aiming to equip participants with clear information and practical steps.
“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,” said Lee Shapiro, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures. “This webinar will offer clear information and practical steps to allow you to begin or revisit your estate plans with greater confidence.” The implications are significant: without a plan, families risk financial uncertainty, and charitable intentions may go unrealized.
Featured speakers include attorney Megan Kelly of Megan M. Kelly Law and Trent Grzegorczyk, wealth manager with Corso Wealth. They will cover essential documents, key decisions, considerations for reviewing existing plans, and practical next steps. Advance registration is required at heart.org/plan, and all registrants will receive estate planning guides for instant download. Additional resources on wills and beneficiary designations are available at heart.org/NEPAW.
The webinar also highlights planned giving as a way to support the Heart Association’s mission. Legacy gifts have helped the organization invest more than $6.3 billion in cardiovascular research since 1949, making it the nation’s leading non-governmental funder of such research. Donors who choose legacy gifts are recognized in the Paul Dudley White Legacy Circle, a designation within the Cor Vitae Society. More information on charitable estate planning is available through the association’s American Heart Association charitable estate planning information.
For broader health resources, visit heart.org or stroke.org. The webinar represents a proactive effort to address a widespread gap in financial wellness, helping individuals protect their legacies and contribute to lifesaving research.
