Do you ever wonder about your impact years from now? It’s a question many of us ask ourselves in quieter moments. We reflect on the people we cherish, the values we hold dear, and the changes we hope to see in the future.
Creating a will is one of the most powerful ways you can shape that future. It is a profound act of love — not just for your family, but also for the world you want them to live in.
Yet, despite its importance, many compassionate people like you hesitate to take this step. Why? Because misconceptions and myths often cloud the process, making it seem daunting, expensive, or reserved only for the very wealthy.
So, let’s bust the most common myths about leaving a gift in your will. You’ll see just how simple, accessible, and deeply rewarding it can be, and learn how we are here to guide you.
Myth #1: "You have to be wealthy to leave a gift in your will."
This is perhaps the most persistent myth of all. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a powerful impact and transforms lives. In fact, most come from faithful, everyday people who simply want to let their love flourish for the next generation.
The power of percentage
Here is the secret: You don't have to leave a specific, large sum of cash. Instead, you can leave a percentage of your estate proportionate to your wealth. This means you provide for your loved ones first, and then gift a portion of what remains to a cause you care about.
Whatever the amount, it makes a tangible difference. For Lutheran World Relief, even a modest gift can invest in a brighter future for your neighbors in need. Your generosity ripples outward in ways you can hardly imagine.
Myth #2: "Creating a will is too complicated and expensive."
It’s understandable why this stops many people from taking the next step. But the truth is, creating a will is much faster and easier than you think.
We are offering a free online tool that you can use to safely and securely create a legal will. Our tool guides you through the process step-by-step, asking simple questions about your life and wishes. In as little as 20 minutes, you can have a document ready to print and sign. It couldn’t be easier!
Myth #3: "If I leave a gift in my will, my family will get less."
You can absolutely prioritize your loved ones while still supporting the causes close to your heart. In fact, most people who leave gifts in their wills do exactly this.
Consider the percentage method mentioned above. Let’s say you leave 90% or 95% of your estate to your family and gift just 5% or 10% to charity. To your family, that small percentage likely won't make a life-changing difference in their inheritance. But to a family displaced by violence in South Sudan, that same amount can be transformative.
Planned giving also passes down something more valuable than money: your values. You are showing your loved ones that faithfulness, compassion, and generosity are integral parts of your family's identity.
Myth #4: "I’m too young to think about a will."
"I'll do it later." It’s a phrase we all use. For many, writing a will feels like a task for the distant future — something to worry about later.
However, a will isn't just about protecting your estate tomorrow; it’s about protecting your life right now.
If you have any assets — a car, some savings, a home — or if you have children or pets, you need a will. Without one, the state decides what happens to your belongings and, more frighteningly, who cares for your dependents.
Creating a will now gives you control. It ensures that if the unexpected happens, the people you love and the causes you cherish are protected according to your wishes and values. Plus, it provides peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken a responsible, loving step for your future.
Myth #5: "Once I write a will, I can’t change it."
Life happens. And along with it, your future plans. Some people worry that writing a will now locks them into decisions permanently.
The good news is that your will can evolve with your life. You can change it as often as you like. In fact, it is recommended that you review your will every few years or whenever a major life event occurs.
Adding a gift to an existing will is often very simple. You don't necessarily need to rewrite the entire document or overhaul your entire estate plan to include a gift to Lutheran World Relief.
You always remain in the driver's seat and can adjust your plans as life unfolds.
Your compassion, your impact
Hopefully, debunking these myths has prepared you to take the next step.
Leaving a gift in your will isn't about great wealth or complicated legal documents.
It is simply about love. It is about loving your family enough to plan for their future. And it is about loving your neighbors around the world enough to include them in your story.
When you include a gift in your will, you become a guardian of hope. You extend your compassion to neighbors around the world, building a brighter future for all of God’s children.
Ready to learn more?
If you are feeling inspired to take the next step, we are here to help.
- Request your Free Guide to Leaving a Gift in your Wills, made specifically for faithful people like you. This guide shares how you can create a will that honors your loved ones and supports the causes you cherish and includes easy steps to get you started.
- Use our free online tool to start your will today! If you have 20 minutes, you can create a free and secure legally binding will. It couldn’t be easier!
- Already include Lutheran World Relief in your estate plans? Tell us! Sharing your intentions helps us with future planning and inspires others. Email Lee Grant, Planned Giving Manager, at @email or 410 230 2827.
Thank you for all the ways you love your neighbors.