FAQ

"This just sounds too good to be true".  We hear that all the time.  Why would anyone offer estate planning services, "at no charge"?  We all live in this community.  We all contribute to the greater good of the community in our own ways.  Just as our donors enjoy helping us achieve our goals of serving the community, we wanted to share a very valuable gift with you.  

Most likely, you have many questions.  Hopefully, those questions can be answered here but if not, please do not hesitate calling our office. 

 

Question Listing

How much does this cost?

Absolutely nothing. Thompson & Associates is held on retainer by the nonprofit to provide you independent and unbiased advice. If your planning leads to the drafting and execution of estate planning instruments by your professional advisors (like your attorney), you will be responsible for those fees.

What is Thompson & Associates trying to sell me?

Nothing! You will never pay Thompson & Associates anything - directly or indirectly. Their services are a gift to you. Thompson & Associates does not benefit from their recommendations. You will use your own professional advisors, including your attorney, your insurance agent, and your financial planner to implement your plan. Thompson & Associates does not receive a commission or fee of any kind besides the retainer fee the nonprofit pays.

Do I have to make a gift to the nonprofit?

No! The nonprofit offers the planning services of Thompson & Associates without any obligation on your part. We obviously hope that if you choose to leave a portion of your estate to charitable organizations, you will remember the nonprofit, but you are not required to make a gift to benefit from the services. In fact, Thompson & Associates will never ask you for a gift.

Can I give to other organizations besides the nonprofit?

Absolutely. We know that you probably support several organizations. We hope the planning process with Thompson & Associates will help you formulate a plan to give to all organizations, including the nonprofit that introduced you to this service.

Will the nonprofit know the things I share with Thompson & Associates?

 
No. Your meetings and conversations with Thompson & Associates and the results of the planning process are strictly confidential. Thompson & Associates will only share your information with someone at your request.  
 

Will this planning process take away assets from my heirs?

 
No. The planning process begins with you stating your planning objectives. Thompson & Associates then leads you through a process of showing you ways to accomplish those objectives. You will decide how much to leave your heirs. 
 

Can my attorney be involved in the planning process?

Yes. Thompson & Associates will lead you through a planning process, but your professional advisors are very important in making sure your plan is best for you. While the attorneys typically do not sit through the meetings with most donors, they will be advised and asked to contribute to the plan (if you consent, of course). Most plans conclude with estate planning documents which will be drafted by your attorney.

How long does the planning process take?


The typical planning process lasts six to nine months. A Thompson & Associates representative will be at the nonprofit once every month to meet with you and guide you through the process. Much of the planning time is spent exploring your options to help perfect your plan.
 

What are the final result s of the planning process?


What you receive from the planning process depends largely on what you need. Some just need a knowledgeable person to brainstorm some ideas. They may simply just get confirmation that they are heading in the right direction. Others need a complete plan. They will walk away from the planning process knowing exactly what they have, what they want to do with their assets after they are gone, and an executed estate plan (by their own advisors) to accomplish their objectives.
 

Why would the nonprofit offer these services for free?


The nonprofit knows that donors want to help them fulfill their mission. They also know that if a donor has not named the nonprofit in their estate plan, there is no chance the nonprofit will benefit from that donor's estate after they are gone. Maybe not all donors will want to leave the nonprofit in their estate plan; but some will want to if they simply knew how to do it.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Thompson & Associates?


Nothing! Your first meeting with Thompson & Associates will be an informal get-to-know-you meeting. Our Thompson & Associates representative will give you a detailed explanation of the planning process and then give you the option to proceed or not. You will have several documents to complete and return in preparation for your second visit.
 

Who else has benefitted from this process?


Contact the nonprofit organization providing this material to you and discuss others who have gone through the planning process and are willing to talk to you about it.
 

How do I get started?


Click here to let the nonprofit know you would like to schedule a time to visit with the Thompson & Associates representative or call Thompson & Associates directly at 615 369-1403.