National Estate Planning Awareness Week | October 20–26
When Barb’s husband passed away, she found herself sorting through stacks of paperwork—accounts to close, insurance to track down, decisions to make. “I just kept thinking, I wish we had talked about this sooner,” she recalls.
A year later, Barb met with a local estate planner, created her own estate plan, and added her wishes for healthcare and finances. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought,” she said. “Now my family knows what I want, and I feel at peace.”
Barb’s story isn’t unique. Many of us delay estate planning because it feels complicated or uncomfortable—but having a plan in place, or updating an existing plan, is one of the most loving gifts we can give our families. It’s not about money; it’s about clarity, protection, and reducing stress for the people we care about most.
To make it easier, Vivalon offers free resources to guide you step-by-step through important planning decisions.
Free Estate Planning Workshops
📅 Tuesday, October 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM
A Panel Conversation on Wills, Trusts & Taxes: Planning Ahead to Protect What Matters Most
With Kerry Spence Estate Plans and Perotti & Carrade CPAs
In an uncertain world, two things are guaranteed: death and taxes. While we can’t avoid them, we can plan for them—so you can protect your loved ones, reduce their burden, and ensure your wishes are honored. Join this engaging, conversational panel to learn about creating or updating your estate plan and how new tax implications may affect your decisions.
Vivalon Center for Healthy Aging, 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Attend in person or via Zoom
Reserve your spot here.
📅 Tuesday, November 19 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Navigate Your Changing Care Needs & Exploring an Advance Health Care Directive
With Aging Solutions and By the Bay Health
As care needs change—whether due to aging, illness, or unexpected circumstances—navigating options can feel overwhelming. This collaborative session helps you plan ahead with clarity and confidence. Learn from Terri Abelar (Aging Solutions) and Lorena Garbarino (By the Bay Health) as they share practical strategies for recognizing when care needs are shifting, understanding available support, and preparing an advance healthcare directive that ensures your wishes are honored.
Reserve your spot here.
Past Workshops
You can also view recordings of past workshops here. There are no workshops scheduled for December, but the Estate Planning Series will return in January 2026. Is there a topic you’d like featured in the series? Respond to this email with your suggestions!
Create Your Estate Plan Online for Free
If you’re ready to start but don’t know where to begin, try FreeWill—a secure, easy-to-use online tool that helps you create your estate plan in about 20 minutes, at no cost. It’s a simple, empowering way to take control of your plans from the comfort of home.
Estate planning is not about preparing for the end—it’s about protecting what matters most while you’re here: your independence, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.
Get stated here.
You can also use this resource to name someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if needed.
Additional Ways to Make an Impact
Once you’ve put your plans in place, you might find yourself thinking about the people and communities that have shaped your life—and how you’d like to continue supporting them beyond your lifetime. Many people discover that leaving a gift in their estate plan to a beloved organization can be part of their planning too, not out of obligation, but as a heartfelt reflection of their values and gratitude.
You can start your estate plan for free online today using FreeWill’s tool and easily leave a gift for Vivalon at the same time here.
Looking for other meaningful ways to give? Here are a few you may not have considered:
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Make charitable contributions now and recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits over time.
- Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to meet your Required Minimum Distribution while lowering your taxable income.
- Gifts of Stock or Securities: Donating appreciated assets can help you avoid capital gains taxes and stretch your impact even further.
Every act of planning—large or small—creates more peace, more clarity, and more connection for the future.
Learn more about Vivalon’s giving options at legacy.vivalon.org.
