Introductory Classes

Join Susan Turnbull in one of her regularly scheduled live web presentations.  Packed full of information, inspiration and practical ideas, there is time at the end for questions and discussion.  $35.00

The Wealth of Life: Getting Started on Your Ethical Will

This is a great overview of ethical wills, valuable if you want not to get a solid understanding of their history and possibilities, and the chance to start thinking about your own.

  • A thorough introduction to ethical wills: their history, legal status, formats and themes
  • Lots of examples – both ancient and modern
  • An understanding of their place in estate, financial and legacy planning
  • Strategies for countering procrastination
  • The opportunity to begin to write your own

Click here to see the schedule for the next class

Strengthening “Trust” in Trustees: Creating a Letter of Wishes

Have you named a corporate trustee? Created a dynasty trust that will extend for generations? Given your trustees broad authority to make discretionary distributions? If so, and it is important to you that all successor trustees truly understand your personal perspective, you’ll want to consider creating a letter of wishes. Such a document, or recording,  allows room for a full and natural expression of your intent, yet does not limit the authority of the trustee. The result: your “voice” will always be heard and succeeding generations of trustees can use their discretionary authority with confidence and build healthy relationships with beneficiaries. As a personal, non-binding complement to the legal trust documents, it makes sure that “trust” of a very personal sort is at the heart of the estate plan. You will learn:

  • The circumstances under which a letter of wishes would be valuable
  • Legal status; do’s and don’ts
  • Role of the advisor in encouraging their creation
  • How to get started: a review of questions and topics to consider

Click here to see the schedule for the next class

Beyond the Mission Statement: Capturing the Fullness of Your Philanthropic Intent

The legal documents that establish a charitable instrument like a foundation, trust, donor advised fund or planned gift do not begin to reflect the richness of personal history, values and visions that lie behind the voluntary act of generosity.  Chances are that first, that back story is pretty interesting.  But second, it is such an important story for successors charged with future responsibility for the instrument, to fully understand as they set direction and seek consensus. You will learn about:

  • The benefits of creating an expression of intent alongside legal documents establishing a fund, foundation or bequest
  • Why create one: to whom? What to include?
  • How they are different than a mission or vision statement
  • Getting started: a process to follow; do’s and don’ts
  • Stories and examples

This webinar is not presently scheduled.  Contact us to let us know you are interested