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 revisiting existing plans, offering clear guidance on essential documents, key decisions, and practical next steps.
Estate planning is often perceived as complex or solely for the wealthy, but the implications of not having a plan extend beyond finances. Without proper documents, families may face uncertainty, legal hurdles, and unintended outcomes. Lee Shapiro, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association and managing partner at 7wireVentures, emphasized that planning is about more than paperwork. “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,” Shapiro said. “This webinar will offer clear information and practical steps to allow you to begin or revisit your estate plans with greater confidence.”
The webinar features attorney Megan Kelly and wealth manager Trent Grzegorczyk, who will cover estate planning fundamentals. Participants will learn about essential documents, key decisions, and considerations for reviewing an existing plan. Advance registration is required at heart.org/plan, and all registrants will receive downloadable estate planning guides. Additional resources on wills and beneficiary designations are available at heart.org/NEPAW.
Beyond personal peace of mind, estate planning can also support charitable causes. Planned gifts to the American Heart Association help sustain its role as the nation’s leading non-governmental funder of cardiovascular research, with more than $6.3 billion invested since 1949. Donors who include the Association in their estate plans are recognized as members of the Paul Dudley White Legacy Circle, a designation within the Cor Vitae Society. These legacy gifts fuel lifesaving research and education, helping people live longer, healthier lives.
For those seeking general information on charitable estate planning, the Association provides resources at American Heart Association charitable estate planning information. The upcoming webinar represents a critical opportunity to address the widespread lack of preparedness, offering a manageable path to protect loved ones and create a lasting legacy. As National Estate Planning Awareness Week highlights, taking action now can prevent future hardship and ensure that personal wishes are honored.
