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  At the Heart of Estate Planning: Where can you do the greatest good if tragedy strikes By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi February 5, 2021 Lawyers ask a lot of questions when counseling clients.  In my estate planning practice a typical sequence of questions when developing an estate plan sounds like this: Me:  When you die, where do you want your probate assets to go? Client:   To my spouse. Me:  And what if your spouse has predeceased you? Client:  Oh, well to my children equally. Me:  And if a child had predeceased you, would his/her share go to any child(ren) he or she may have had. Client.  Umm, well....yes, yes that makes sense. Me:  Okay, this is the last one, but if the unthinkable happened and you had no surviving children or grandchildren, what would happen then? Client:  Wow, I never thought of that before. One of my favorite things about working with clients is when they surprise me and give me tools to use with other client...

The story was secondhand, told to me by my husband. Overseeing the nightly bath vs. shower ritual of our children, ages 6 and 4, he was the parent on-duty.  It had been a long day of Spring Break play, inevitable growth spurts, and the competitive behavior of siblings.  Quickly the kids launched into an argument over who was going to use their shower/bath first: Daughter: I said it first, I get a bath....NOW!!!! Son: Not fair!  You take fooooooorrrrrrrevvvvvvver in the bath.  I want a quick shower! Daughter: [with a smirk spreading across her face], I know, let's do a coin toss!  For the reader, she has an uncanny ability to win these games of chance, something that has not gone unnoticed by our son. Son; Okay [said with a bit of distrust]. Up went the coin, supplied by dad.  It landed heads up, just as our daughter had predicted. Son: Fine, take your God Damn bath! He stomped off to our master bath for a shower on his own. At this point in ...

Thank you to guest host Judith Siers-Poisson for having me on Wisconsin Public Radio's Larry Meiller Show yesterday to discuss my book, Middle Class Philanthropist: How anyone can leave a legacy .  For those who were not able to tune-in, the show is now available on-line, click here . Philanthropy is a term normally associated with individuals who have a seven-figure net worth, making a splash in the end of the year news cycle with hefty donations to worthy causes.  Judith and Wisconsin Public Radio helped shine the spotlight on the every day Americans who have made a difference in the life of a nonprofit without leaving it a fortune.  I know the four stories included in my book are not the only ones out there.  If you have a story to share, please email or call me as I work on my second book on this topic.  My goal is to profile ten or twelve individuals or families who have left a legacy without being mega-wealthy.

Predating democracy, capitalism, organized religion, and as old as humanity itself, philanthropy exists because things often go wrong, and things can always be better. Current understanding of philanthropy focuses on images of gated estates and the means of Bill Gates or Oprah. Stereotypes continually reinforced in news reports – internet mogul leaves $5.3 million art museum! – or something along those lines. An academic review of the word philanthropy reveals it to be a noun meaning generous help or benevolence towards one's fellow man. Philanthropy is not an exclusive act of those with a seven-figure net worth, anyone can leave a legacy. Daily I work with clients in my estate planning and probate legal practice who make bequests to favored charities. My clients fall solidly into “the middle class”, yet they give, and those gifts make a difference in the world of a nonprofit. It was from those client meetings that the idea to write Middle Class Philanthropist: How...

Today marks the 2nd annual #GivingTuesday, an international effort to encourage people to give back during the holiday season.  In celebration of this nonprofit fundraising spirit, I will be holding my first ever book reading of Middle Class Philanthropist: How anyone can leave a legacy.  Join me at 6:30pm, Mystery to Me books on Monroe Street here in Madison.  There will be hot cider, cookies, and charitable inspiration! If you cannot make it, check the book out on-line by visiting the publishing web site , Goodreads, or various on-line book sellers.  Everyone can make a difference, and it is the size of our hearts that matters, not our wallets.

It is with great joy that I announce the pending release of my first book publication, Middle Class Philanthropist: How anyone can leave a legacy . It will be available for purchase November 1, 2013. Predating democracy, capitalism, organized religion, and as old as humanity itself, philanthropy exists because things often go wrong, and things can always be better in our world.  Nothing about philanthropy requires a person to have excessive amounts of money to make a difference.  In Middle Class Philanthropist: How anyone can leave a legacy, Melinda Gustafson Gervasi redefines the conventional view of philanthropy, providing simple and practical tools by which anyone can leave a legacy. Purchases can be made by clicking on this image of the book cover.

Image credit:  www.sxc.hu - free image The following quote conveys so much, yet with so few words.  Today I honor the wisdom and grace of a truly great American, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' -Martin Luther King, Jr. Statements like this urge me on as I finish work on my book, The Middle Class Philanthropist: How anyone can leave a legacy. I'll be back with more thoughts tomorrow.  Thanks for reading.

Inspiring words have a special place in my heart, and at the moment those related to a charitable life are at the top of the list.  Raising children, writing a book on how the middle class can be philanthropic, and reflecting on what the world might be like in 100 years all underscore my focus on charitable works.  Toss in my attitude of anyone can make a difference, and you'll understand why the following quote jumped off the page at me: "What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains immortal". - Albert Pike I'm curious -- for those interested in living a charitable life, have you included a cause in your end of life paperwork? Image credit:  www.sxc.hu - free image

Take 2!  January 2013 is devoted to my re-writing the draft of my upcoming book, The Middle Class Philanthropist: How anyone can leave a legacy.  Circling in my mind are stories of simple gifts that made a difference, tax advantages and legal definitions, and the positive health impacts attributed to being a generous person.  In the mix of it all are a few quotes I will highlight in the book.  One of my favorites is below.  Philanthropy, it is not just for the mega-rich.   "Philanthropy flows from a loving heart, not an overstuffed pocketbook." - Douglas Lawson Do you have a favorite quote about living a philanthropic life or have a story to share?  If so, please leave a comment.  And thanks for reading!

Image credit:  www.sxc.hu - free image Regular readers of my blog will know that charitable giving is a strong interest of mine.  In the coming year watch for my book on how the middle class can be philanthropic, leaving a legacy without having millions.  In the meantime, I offer these tips, borrowed from the Federal Trade Commission, as you consider making charitable contributions.  Crooks do not take the holidays off, so make sure you are making informed donations. Ask who wants your money and how it will be used; Be careful of similarly sounding names of organizations; Do not send cash donations; and Use caution if promised gifts are being offered. See the FTC's complete charity checklist here .

Reports are in, and it appears that the inaugural #GivingTuesday was a success.  On-line giving to charities on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving was up 53% according to sources .  I love this idea.  It completes a trifecta of holiday spending: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and now #GivingTuesday.  Personally, I am happy to skip the first two options and reserve my spending for charities.  No trips to the mall, nothing to wrap, supporting causes that are in need.  What better way to celebrate the winter holiday season? The former policy analyst in me wonders -- did people concentrate their giving on that one day?  If so, are donations to charities this holiday season up overall, or did they all fall on that one day?  Time will tell.  And the estate planning attorney in me sees this and thinks -- good, those donations were made early enough in the calendar year to appropriately qualify for a 2012 tax deduction (IRS sees them as a donation in the ...

Image credit:  www.sxc.hu - free image Kudos to you if you have 1) completed a will, and 2) named a charity as either a primary or contingent beneficiary.  Welcome to a minority of Americans who have taken charge of what will happen to assets upon death and who will oversee the process.  However, there is one lingering question I would ask about those named charities -- does the language take into account the fact that non-profits routinely modify and change their name?  If not, it's time for a will update in my humble opinion. Earlier this week my local newspaper ran a story about how the non-profit Gilda's Club was changing its name to Cancer Support Community .  The reason, younger folks fighting cancer, the groups target audience, were born after Gilda Radner's death and do not know who she is.  Thus they do not make the connection to younger people fighting cancer.  I tested this on my law student working with me today, who was born in 198...

Image credit: www.sxc.hu - free image (yellow moon) October 31st has arrived -- Happy Halloween.  As you prepare to take your little goblins and witches (in my case a pirate and an owl) for an evening stroll to collect candies, or you prepare a bowl to keep near your door for the little ones posing the question trick or treat, don't forget the coins.  Yes, Halloween is most prominently associated with candy corn and other sweet treats, but it is also a day when children can make a difference in the lives of children with less advantages through the UNICEF program.  Created over 60 years ago it is a long-standing charitable program.  Enjoy the fun, and consider what you might be able to do to put more treat and less trick into the lives of children around the globe.  One not need be a billionaire to make a difference in the world.

This year November 15th marks National Philanthropy Day .  Celebrated across the nation through luncheons, galas, award ceremonies, and seminars, it is a day to recognize those who have given from the heart.  And I am thrilled to be attending my very first National Philanthropy Day event right here in Madison, Wisconsin .  Scheduled for Friday, November 2nd at the Overture Arts Center will be a networking reception, luncheon and awards ceremony. In a counter balance to the drafting I do for clients in the areas of estate planning and probate, I am also completing a book on how the middle class can also be philanthropic.  Giving need not be reserved for the tech billionaires we read out in the news.  As I put the finishing touches on my book, I'd love to hear stories from real world America.  What small gift made a difference in the life of a non-profit?  Please share, and inspire others.  And I might profile the story in my book!

On Friday, October 26th a reception will be held at Holy Wisdom Monastery (located in Middleton, Wisconsin) showcasing 42 wildlife proofs and prints, created by Owen Gromme .  Through a donation from a private collection, the pieces are for sale with proceeds benefiting HWM.  The reception will be held from 5pm - 7pm on the 26th of October.  General viewing of the art is available from 8am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. As a Wisconsin estate planning attorney it warms my heart to learn about amazing wildlife images of the Midwest that are for sale, benefiting a non-profit.  Times may be challenging for many, individuals and non-profits alike, but through creative collaboration good things grow. Are there collections in your home that might be enjoyed by the general public and possibly be sold to raise funds for a cause dear to your heart?  Philanthropic living is within the grasp of all, even those who live in the middle class. Learn more at Holy Wisdom ...

Last week I came across this quote, which tied back to Goodreads.  I have no idea about its origin, but love the concept.  What a great way to start another week, and a new month. "Things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but things you do for others remain your legacy". - Kalu Kalu Does this inspire you?  If so, how?  Have you mentioned a favorite cause in your will or other estate planning documents?  Share a comment and inspire others!

Last week I read a wonderful story in my beloved Washington Post; an effort is underway to add a day of charitable giving to the phenomenon of "black Friday" and "cyber Monday".  The effort behind #GivingTuesday is to increase awareness about the option of spending your holiday dollars through charitable contributions instead or, on in addition to, holiday gifting. As I commented on the article, this is not a new idea to my family.  Several years ago we opted out of the extended family gift exchanges.  Now we buy a few simple gifts for our young children, and everything else we would have spent is direct to charities that meant something to us over the past year.  Gone are waiting in long lines, mounds of discarded wrapping paper, and stress about what to get for the people who have everything they need and want.  We have replaced it with an evening by the fire, sipping wine, writing out a few checks, and talking with our children about the causes we feel are...

Image Credit:  www.sxc.hu - free image If trivia games are your thing, and you are a fan of public libraries, combine your passions and sign up for October 20th!  Teams are forming around Dane County, and funds raised from a fun night of trivia with benefit Dane County libraries .  Sadly my husband and I have other plans for the evening, otherwise we'd be forming a team. If you are outside of Dane County or cannot attend, keep the following in mind as ways to support a great non-profit cause, your public library: direct your personal representative to donate your book collection to a library for their "second hand" sales; designate 10% of your life insurance to your local library system; or if you are downsizing, hold a garage sale and advertise that all proceeds will be donated to the local library. Remember, philanthropic behavior is not reserved for the mega-wealthy -- it is in reach of everyone.  Enjoy your weekend!

Reading this article I thought to myself, why is it taboo for a charity to ask a member to name it in a will?  Then I remembered that my daily questioning of people "and then who will you name if they die?" is not all that routine outside my line of work.  I'm an estate planning attorney.  Illness, death and taxes are at the forefront of my brain.  It seems natural for me to think -- how might a charitable cause fit into your estate plan? Maybe some people don't want to face the truth that life is finite.  However, I suspect most think "I don't have anything worth giving, I'm not a Kennedy."  Considering how many of my clients start our sessions together with the statement "I don't need an estate plan, just a basic will" reinforces this belief.  Too many people think you have to have millions before you can be charitable at death. And that is a belief I want to share.  Currently I am putting the final touches on my first draft of ...