Learn
Straight answers to the questions people ask before they plan: what happens without a will, how to leave money to charity, and how to make a gift do the most good.
Estate basics
Without a will, state intestacy laws decide who inherits, usually your spouse, children or other relatives. The state takes an estate only when no relative can be found. How it works, and the real costs of not planning.
How-to
Five ways to include a charity in your estate plan, from a percentage of your estate to naming a charity on your IRA, with sample bequest wording to share with your attorney.
Taxes
Heirs pay income tax on inherited traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, usually within 10 years. Charities pay none. How to name a charity as your IRA beneficiary, with an example.
Planning
You can leave money to a new private foundation, a named fund, a donor-advised fund or a charitable remainder trust. How each works after you're gone, what it costs, and who it suits.
Giving well
Some charities do dozens of times more good per dollar than others. Here's how to choose a cause, find high-impact programs, and write a bequest that stays effective for decades.
Taxes
The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person in 2026, with no scheduled sunset. Twelve states and D.C. have their own estate taxes, and five states tax inheritances. How charitable gifts in a will affect each.
Estate basics
In most states a will must still be signed on paper with two witnesses in the room. Fifteen states and D.C. allow electronic wills, and about 20 let witnesses join by video. What's allowed, what online notarization can and can't do, and what it costs.
Estate basics
A will made online is as valid as one drafted by a lawyer if it's signed the way your state requires, usually in front of two witnesses. What makes a will valid, when handwritten or electronic wills count, and common mistakes.
Research
Cerulli projects $124 trillion will pass between generations through 2048, with $18 trillion to charity. What the numbers mean, who gives through their will, and why the charitable share isn't settled.
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