Wills (and More) Week 2026
From First Job to Lasting Legacy
October 19-23, 2026
Live, expert-led webinars
12 – 1 pm daily ET (all sessions recorded for future viewing)
Free and open to the entire University System of Maryland community in recognition of National Estate Planning Awareness Week
No matter where you are in life’s journey, it’s never too early, or too late, to plan thoughtfully for the future.
Join the University System of Maryland for Wills (and More) Week 2026, a series of free educational webinars designed to help you navigate the financial, legal, and personal decisions that shape your future.
Life is full of transitions. From your first job and first home to retirement and the impact you hope to have on future generations, each stage brings new opportunities and important planning decisions. Wills (and More) Week 2026 provides practical, easy-to-understand guidance to help you build financial security, protect the people you love, plan for life’s milestones, and create a lasting impact for future generations.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a parent, a caregiver, nearing retirement, or simply looking to ensure your plans reflect your goals and values, you’ll leave with information you can use to plan with confidence.
Schedule
Monday, October 19, 2026
Wealth with Intention: Financial Planning Basics
J. Patrick Collins Jr., CFP®, EA
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Financial planning is about more than saving for retirement. It is about aligning your financial decisions with the life you want to live and the legacy you hope to leave. Whether you are just starting out, raising a family, approaching retirement, or already retired, understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Join us for an overview of key financial planning concepts, including budgeting, managing debt, building savings, investing for long-term goals, protecting against risk, and preparing for retirement.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
More Than a Will: What’s in an Estate Plan and Why You Need One
Malini Ganvir, J.D., LL.M.
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Many people think estate planning is only for the wealthy or only involves creating a will. In reality, an estate plan is an essential set of tools that can help protect you, your loved ones, and your wishes during your lifetime and after your death.
Learn about the core components of a comprehensive estate plan, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, beneficiary designations, and more. We’ll discuss what each document does, who needs one, and how thoughtful planning can provide peace of mind for you and those you care about.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Life Happens: When and Why to Update Your Estate Plan
Christopher B. Walter, J.D.
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Estate planning is not a one-time event. Major life milestones, from graduating college and starting a career to marriage, parenthood, retirement, and becoming a grandparent, should prompt a review of your financial and estate plans.
This session will explore the planning considerations that arise at different stages of life and identify common events that may signal it’s time to revisit your documents, beneficiary designations, and long-term goals. Learn how to keep your plans aligned with your changing circumstances, priorities, and values.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Passing Along the Family Home: Exploring Your Options
Shari Fleming, J.D., AEP®, CAP®
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For many families, a home is both a treasured asset and a source of cherished memories. Passing it to the next generation involves financial, legal, and personal considerations that deserve careful thought.
Join us for a discussion of the various ways a home can be transferred, including through a will, trust, life estate deed, Medicaid asset protection trust, and Maryland’s new Transfer-on-Death Deed law. Learn about the advantages and potential drawbacks of each approach and how to choose the strategy that best supports your goals and your family.
Friday, October 23, 2026
Options and Opportunities: Supporting Causes You Love While Creating Income for Life
Timothy J. Prosser, J.D. and Mary S. Richardson, J.D., LL.M.
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Did you know that it may be possible to support the organizations and causes you care about while also creating income for yourself or a loved one? A variety of charitable planning options can help you achieve financial, philanthropic, and family goals at the same time.
This session will introduce charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and other strategies that can provide income during your lifetime while creating a lasting charitable legacy. Explore the opportunities available and discover how these flexible tools may help you make a meaningful difference while also enhancing your overall financial and estate plan.