I am excited about a new venture of mine that I’d like to share with you. I recently joined a non-profit speakers bureau called the Society for Financial Awareness. Not only does it help me get out into the community, but it also helps educate the general public about the very important topic of estate planning.
The problem is that society doesn’t teach the average person about things that truly impact one’s life, including financial and legal education. We often have to figure things out for ourselves. This organization allows local professionals the chance to teach within their community. In an effort to get the education out there, I joined our local chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness (www.sofausa.org ). Quite simply, they offer free seminars on estate planning, financial skills, health, etc. Hundreds of organizations and companies have used this free service and I am truly excited about joining our local chapter.
Our local chapter has its own website at www.sofascv.org. Our chapter consists of local professionals who speak to local organization regarding a variety of topics for free. See the website for more information. Who gives anything for free anymore without some kind of catch or sales pitch? The best thing about it, in my estimation, is that no one involved is allowed to sell their business. It must be purely educational. So far, some local organizations have expressed interest in not only one, but a series of topics over the course of the year. Many companies and organizations can benefit from these educational seminars. Once the public is empowered with more information, they can make more informed decisions. Speakers in the organization benefit from the community exposure and tax benefits.
Here is an example of why education is important: “How much for a living trust?” That’s usually the first question I get when people call.
I’ve since learned to ask, “Well, what kind of living trust do you need?”
They reply, “There are different kinds of trusts?”
Some call and ask, “I need a living will…do you handle living wills?”
I reply, “Actually, California hasn’t used that term in years. Perhaps you want an Advance Health Care Directive?”
They reply, “Nope. Just a living will.”
I have found that over 75 percent of my clients don’t know the difference between a will and a trust. That’s not their fault. Our society simply doesn’t teach us these things.
If you need a speaker for your group or organization on estate planning or any other topics offered by the speakers bureau, feel free to contact me or visit www.sofascv.org . It costs you absolutely nothing.
For more information please call 661-295-4610 or go to www.valencialawyer.com