How do you protect your wealth and your legacy?

Written by Jody Yopp, Senior Director of Advancement and Planned Giving

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give to the people and causes we care about. For supporters of Baptist Children's Homes (BCH), estate planning is not only a way to protect their own assets, it is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that changes the lives of children and families for generations.

A clear, well-crafted Will and properly designated beneficiary accounts ensure that your lifetime of hard work is protected, distributed efficiently, and directed according to your wishes and values. For donors who want to include BCH in their plans, doing so can be both simple and deeply impactful.

Why creating a Will protects your wealth and your family:

A Will is one of the most important financial documents you will ever create. Without one, state law—not your wishes—determines how your assets are distributed. This can lead to delays, additional expenses, unexpected outcomes, and potential conflict among loved ones.

A Properly Prepared Will...

...protects your assets. It ensures that what you have built is handled according to your plan, not left to state default rules.

...provides clarity for family and friends. Loved ones won't have to guess what you would have wanted or navigate unnecessary legal hurdles.

...allows assets to be distributed more quickly and efficiently. A valid Will can significantly simplify the probate process.

...lets you support the people and organizations most important to you. A Will is an opportunity to express your values and create a lasting legacy.

Because life changes, your Will should be updated when you experience a major milestone, including:

• Marriage or the death of a spouse

• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild

• New financial responsibilities

• Graduations or major life achievements

• Retirement

• Significant changes in health or financial status

Keeping your Will current ensures your wishes are honored at every stage of life.

Designating assets outside your Will: Simple, Efficient, and Powerful

While a Will is essential, many assets can be passed directly to beneficiaries without going through the probate process. These include:

• Checking and savings accounts

• IRAs and retirement accounts (401(k), 403(b), etc.)

• Investment and stock market accounts

• Life insurance policies

• Annuities and certain financial instruments

Each of these accounts allows you to name a beneficiary directly. This is known as a beneficiary designation, and it overrides what is written in your Will. These designations can be completed through your bank, employer, or financial institution—often in just minutes.

Why beneficiary designations are important:

• They are simple to complete. Most forms can be updated online with no legal assistance needed.

• They avoid probate. The asset transfers automatically and privately to the named beneficiary.

• They ensure accuracy. If your Will is outdated, a current beneficiary form will still hold legal authority.

• They allow you to easily support charitable causes. Even a small percentage designated to BCH can have a significant impact.

Many donors choose to leave a portion of these non-probate assets to Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina because it is one of the easiest and most tax-efficient ways to give.

Creating a legacy with Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina...

By including BCH in your Will or naming it as a beneficiary of an account or policy, you extend your commitment to helping vulnerable children, families in crisis, adults with special needs, foster families, and aging adults who depend on these ministries.

Estate gifts to BCH:

• Provide long-term support for life-changing programs

• Help ensure the sustainability of services for future generations

• Allow donors to leave a meaningful legacy that reflects their values

A planned gift is the most significant charitable contribution one can make—because it is made at a time when one no longer needs the financial resources themselves.

A thoughtful plan today brings peace tomorrow

Creating a Will and updating your beneficiary designations are not just about financial decision-making—they are acts of love. These actions remove uncertainty, protect assets, and bring peace of mind to those who will carry out your wishes.

Whether you choose to support your family, your church, Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, or all three, the important thing is that your intentions and legacy are protected and preserved.

If you would like help getting started, BCH staff can answer questions and guide you through the simple steps of designating assets or including BCH in your Will. Your thoughtful planning today can bless children and families—and the people you care about most—for years to come. You can contact me at 704-314-5291. Or email me at jyopp@bchfamily.org.