Making sense of estate planning

Thinking about the future can be intimidating, not knowing what tomorrow might bring. But there are tools that you can use to prepare and plan for the unexpected and to detail your unique wishes should you die or become incapacitated. To provide financial education and consultation to faculty and staff, JHU partners with the Marsh McLennan Agency. Its resources can help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and other financial well-being matters.

Online course: Preparing an Estate Plan

In this course, MMA gives an overview of an estate plan; highlights the different benefits it provides individuals, whether in college or nearing retirement; explains what can happen if you die without a plan; and explores key terms and common estate planning documents. It also covers checklist items for creating an estate plan and then wraps up with mistakes you can avoid so that your wishes are covered. You'll learn:

• What happens if you die without an estate plan
• The role of taxes in estate planning
• What an estate plan can do
• How to identify what documents you need

Take the course here.

Interactive tool: What Happens When You Pass Away Without an Estate Plan?

Have you thought about what happens to your assets, children, taxes, and debts when you die or if you become incapacitated?

An estate plan can help provide better financial support for your loved ones and gives you control over issues like how you want your property to be distributed after your death, or deciding whom you would choose to look after any minor children. Although creating an estate plan may feel daunting, it will help better protect both your assets and your loved ones.

Use this interactive tool to compare the future with or without an estate plan.

Want to learn more from a financial coach?

Schedule a consultation to speak to a financial coach from MMA regarding any questions that are specific to your financial needs. You can discuss topics like investing and budgeting, and access tools on the Prosper Wise site, to guide you on your financial journey.

Upcoming financial well-being webinars from MMA

New Parents, New Accounts—Savings for Education
Tuesday, May 21, 2 to 3 p.m.
Given the rising costs of tuition, parents with young children (or grandchildren) are probably concerned about paying for future educational expenses. This seminar shows smart ways to save and explains why starting now is so important. It will be facilitated by Rob Kelley, director of Financial Wellness and Consulting. Register here.

Benefits Insight: Empowering Your Financial Future
Thursday, May 23, noon to 1 p.m.
Discover MMA's extensive range of services, from retirement plan advice to comprehensive financial solutions. In this webinar you'll hear about MMA's expertise and learn about Prosper Wise and other offerings that can contribute to securing your financial future. Register here.

Health Savings Accounts 101: How to Optimize Savings Strategy
Tuesday, June 11, 2 to 3 p.m.
If you have a high-deductible health plan, a health savings account lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in your HSA to pay for deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance, and other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall health care costs. Register here.

Questions can be directed to benefits@jhu.edu.