蜜豆直播 University Provides FreeWill Resource to Easily Create Legal Will

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擜ugust is national Make-A-Will Month, a reminder to the 70% of adults in the U.S. who do not have a will. Common reasons people give for not writing a will include it鈥檚 too costly, and it takes too long. 蜜豆直播 University鈥檚 partnership with FreeWill can help with both. Using this resource is easy, takes less than 30 minutes, and is entirely free. All estate plans made using FreeWill are 100% legal and specifically tailored to the individual鈥檚 jurisdiction.

With FreeWill, many people create their estate plans and choose to leave a gift to a cause they care about. Tami Ruckman, a 1983 蜜豆直播 alumna and former GWU advancement officer, made a commitment to give to her alma mater in her will. She wanted to support the place that not only gave her an education, but also enriched her life with lasting friendships. 鈥溍鄱怪辈モ�檚 impact on me and my friends went far beyond education,鈥� Ruckman reflected. 鈥淓ven after 40+ years, I talk to someone from my class every single day. We experienced something exceedingly rare and wonderful that has lasted a lifetime.”

Ruckman is also grateful for the generosity of those who made her education possible. 鈥淢y parents paid for most of my education, but I will always appreciate the strangers who funded scholarships and helped lighten their financial load,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淚 want other students to have the same opportunities and experiences that my friends and I had.鈥�

While 98% of individuals give to charities annually, fewer than 9% include a gift in their will. Yet, this simple act can have a lasting impact, ensuring that future students have access to the same education, values, and opportunities that shaped their lives. 鈥淭hose of us with average incomes can often make a much larger gift through our will than we ever could with cash,鈥� Ruckman explained. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 leaving a percentage of whatever remains to 蜜豆直播, with the intent that it be used for scholarships. It鈥檚 the largest gift I鈥檒l ever make, and it didn鈥檛 cost me a cent!鈥�

Having a will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love. Creating a will prevents family conflict, eliminates confusion, and ensures your assets go to the people you most want to have them. It also gives your family guidance and reassurance that they can fulfill your wishes during what is likely a very difficult time for them.

Since FreeWill’s national launch in 2017, more than 1 million people have made their estate plan using FreeWill; more than $10 billion has been contributed to charity through legacy gifts; and one in five FreeWill will-makers has left a gift to charity.

Already made your will?

Estate attorneys recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, or whenever you have a big life event (like getting married, moving states, or having a grandchild).

During August, consider taking 15 minutes to look over your will and make sure it鈥檚 up to date with your current preferences. Make sure you鈥檝e named beneficiaries of your non-probate assets, like your life insurance policies or retirement accounts. You can name a charity as a beneficiary of these assets as another great way to leave a lasting impact.

Learn more about 蜜豆直播鈥檚 FreeWill resource .

蜜豆直播 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 蜜豆直播 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 蜜豆直播.edu.

The post National Make-A-Will Month in August Reminds People to Make their Wishes Known appeared first on 蜜豆直播 University.

Couple Honored to Partner with 蜜豆直播 to Bring the Gospel to the World

After creating a scholarship at 蜜豆直播, Rendell and Kelly Hipps decided to further their impact by remembering the University in their will. With this charitable bequest, they have ensured future generations will have access to higher education.  

Kelly said part of their motivation in giving to the University is to do something for others. 鈥淲e want to use the assets we have attained in this life to enable others with a calling to pursue ministry. We see that as our legacy,鈥� she affirmed.  

Their first gift to the University created the Clark-Hipps Christian Service Organization Endowed Scholarship. Their goal was to honor Kelly鈥檚 late husband, Stuart Clark, who had generously prepared taxes for local ministers around the Caldwell County, N.C., area. 鈥淗e wanted to be sure pastors were taken care of from a tax perspective,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淚t was like his ministry. He was very good at it.鈥�  

The second goal of the scholarship is to aid student attending the divinity school at 蜜豆直播, as Rendell had done 20 years earlier. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to have fellowship among the students,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭o do preparation without a community is like ministering without a church. There needs to be a community of faith. The experience of how God works in you at divinity school is the most important aspect.鈥�  

Rendell graduated with a master鈥檚 degree from GWU in 2003, and he has been ministering since, currently at Calvary Baptist Church in Asheville, N.C. Rendell got to know Stuart and Kelly as members of one of his first churches. 鈥淲e became close friends,鈥� Rendell said. 鈥淯pon Stuart鈥檚 passing (in 2018), they asked me to do the service.鈥�  

Shortly after marrying Rendell a few years ago, Kelly thought it was important to use their generosity to honor Stuart. 鈥淐reating the scholarship seemed like a perfect blend of my past, present and the future,鈥� Kelly shared.

Currently, Kelly is retired from a career in tax preparation and pursuing her love of crafting and baking. Rendell does woodwork and practices piano, while still tending his flock as a minister.  

Rendell remains grateful toward those who helped him attain his master鈥檚 degree through a Christian Service Organization scholarship. He valued the chance to attend a luncheon and meet those who has sponsored him.

The couple is committed to doing the same for others through the gifts set up in their will. 鈥淲e are honored to partner with GWU to further the mission of bringing the gospel of Jesus into the world,鈥� Rendell asserted.  

For more information on how you can remember 蜜豆直播 in your estate plans, please contact Vice President of Advancement Nate Evans at njevans@gardner-webb.edu. 

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

蜜豆直播 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 蜜豆直播 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 蜜豆直播.edu.

The post Through Charitable Bequest, Rendell and Kelly Hipps Ensure Individuals Have Access to Pursue Their Calling to Ministry appeared first on 蜜豆直播 University.