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A recent report stated that wealthy, older Asians focus charitable giving on health, education, and the elimination of poverty. In contrast, the younger (not defined) wealthier set take a "more global approach" focusing on the environment, human rights, and the arts. Of those surveyed, 42 percent stated that the main goal behind charitable giving was to promote their family's core values. Again, it is wonderful to read about charitable donations, however, media coverage makes it appear that only the ultra wealthy are able to give. I would bet that middle-income folks from around the world would also state that the primary motivation behind charitable giving is to nurture a core value. If you have a story about a middle-class philanthropist, please let me know....it is the subject of a book I am writing.

Last week I came across a web site for an interesting venue, Life and Death Matters (LAD) Festival . Set in Boulder, Colorado, the festival aims to explore issues related to living and dying through various media; books, films, performances, classes, etc. It runs Sept. 1st - 4th, 2011. Talking about these topics is never easy, but festivals like this help. Attend, and learn about life and death. Read, and share with others. If you want to bring up the topic of estate planning with a loved one, discussing topics like this is a nice way to break the ice.

According to this report, a $20 million foundation has been created in the name of Robert and Eleanor Franke . Having built a fortune with a career in railroad industry, Franke wanted to give back. While I love hearing about such generous giving, I hope amounts like $20 million don't discourage middle class folks from being charitable. Every penny can make the difference in the world of a non-profit. Ways to make a difference include naming a non-profit: in your will as a primary or contingent beneficiary in your will; on your life insurance as a primary or secondary beneficiary; as a primary or secondary beneficiary on your retirement accounts; creating a charitable trust; or leaving the charity a specific item to auction or sell (vehicle, collection, home, etc.). As always, seek legal counsel prior to making or changing your estate plan.

This coming Saturday I will be giving a presentation on Wills and Other Important Documents at The Money Conference, sponsored by Asset Builders . The 1 hour seminar will provide a basic educational overview to estate planning concepts and help people generate a plan to do their documents on their own if they cannot afford an attorney. I will be one of twenty presenters, with topics ranging from how to read a credit score to meals in a flash for cash. When: Saturday, August 20th Time: 7:30 am registration, presentations go until 1pm Where: MATC Truax Campus

Earlier in the week a fellow attorney posted a question to Wisconsin's Estate Planning distribution list -- is it normal for an insurance company to have a clause in life insurance policies that states "if the beneficiary is blank the benefit will be paid: to a surviving spouse, if none; to children, if none; to parents, if none; to siblings, if none; to the estate. The attorney was surprised the estate was so far down the list. Apparently she had a client who had had a will disinheriting his relatives (a.k.a heirs at law), but did not put that intention on his/her life insurance policy. The end result, the life insurance policy will follow the distribution in the contract, not the will. When creating or updating an estate plan it is wise to work with an attorney focused on estate planning and to make sure a review of your beneficiary forms is include. If your uncertain about what will happen, ask your attorney.

SoSaib Care, Inc. (shaw-SHEE-ah) has been providing home care services since 2003, but recently switched from intensive to personal care. This agency, taking its name from the Hmong phrase "tender love and care" is allowing Hmong elders to stay at home, following cultural customs and savings on costs. The agency provides care for all ethnic groups, but does focus on providing culturally relevant care while at the same time keeping people out of nursing homes. I found this article to be an interesting concept -- caring for our elders, recognizing cultural customs, and minimizing government expense. It seems like a win for all involved. I'm curious to see if other like-minded agencies will emerge in the future?

Last week N.P.R.'s Morning Edition ran a brief interview with author Terry Pratchett who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia. Facing a bleak diagnosis he reflects on assisted suicides in Switzerland, his role to bring that option to residents of England, and his ambition to finish is next book. As the population ages, I'm certain we'll see more and more discussion in the public arena about a person's ability/inability to direct their final days and end of life experiences.