Plan for Tomorrow, Make an Impact Today 

“Everyone has an estate plan, whether they have met with an estate planning attorney or not,” says Ryan Kilkenny, financial planner and founder of Atomic Planning, a virtual investment advisory firm based in Kansas City. 

But Ryan says many people may not be aware that a judge in their state will be the one making the “plan” for them if one isn’t already in place. 

“So, my big message would be, ‘go get started, make a plan, put it in action, but then you need to amend it as life changes,’” he urges. 

It’s also important to note that you don’t have to be a certain age or possess a specific level of wealth to begin your planned giving journey. In fact, the earlier you start, the more you get of one very specific benefit. 

“You get to see that impact that you’re making on other people,” Ryan says. 

Additionally, Ryan noted that while cash donations are, of course, beneficial as charitable gifts, donations of land, real estate, stocks or other appreciated securities can also be tools used to leave an incredible legacy. 

Choosing where to designate your gifts, ultimately, comes down to what is most important to each individual at that particular time in life, Ryan says.  

As a father of a 1-year-old daughter, Ryan says it’s hard for him to think of not knowing how to provide her next meal for her. 

“Providing somebody a meal…that’s an incredible legacy,” he says. 

Thanks to generous partners like you, more of our neighbors of all ages will have nutritious food on the table, today, tomorrow and long into the future. Thank you.