Giving a lasting gift

By Kristin Johnson

Mona Tedford Rindy ('87) has fond memories of attending Minnesota State University Moorhead. Her time here included great professors, a supportive community and friends that would last a lifetime. Being a member of the Delta Zeta sorority helped her transition into college life and meet some great people along the way. "Some of those women are still my closest friends today," she said.

Because of her great experience at MSUM, Mona wanted to make a gift that would live on long after she was gone. She decided to give a future gift through her estate plan, designating MSUM as a beneficiary of her retirement account. This was her favored way to give, because it ensured neither party would ever have to pay taxes on it. "Making a future gift makes me feel warm, to think there will be something that happens when I'm gone," she said. "By making this gift, there's a little string that will always keep me attached." She also knows the impact will be great to the students attending MSUM. "Because I gained so much, it's only right to give back. There's going to be a Mona, someone like me, in the future that will benefit from this gift," she said.

While she admits thinking about making an estate gift can be a little intimidating, Mona encourages people to plan ahead and give where they feel compelled to. Beginning a conversation about the future is the first step of the process. "Just don't be scared of the numbers," she said. "When you really think about it, especially if it's a planned future gift, you can afford to give much more than you thought you could."

What are the benefits of an estate plan?

Peace -- An estate plan should give you peace of mind - knowing that important, and sometimes difficult decisions have been made to care for you and your loved ones.

Provision -- An estate plan is designed to help you provide for both you and your family. With a good estate plan, you can give loved ones the property you have acquired in the right way, at the right time and at minimal cost.

Protection -- A good estate plan will protect you in your senior years. It may be important to designate a specific person to manage your property, help doctors and other medical staff with important decisions, and make certain that you are receiving the best possible care. An estate plan can increase your lifetime security and also achieve your goals for family and charity.

If you'd like more information about estate plans, or to receive a free Will's Guide, please contact Mark Hensrud, development director for the MSUM Alumni Foundation, at 218-477-4226 or [email protected].