By writing a will, we put our financial affairs in order and make sure our loved ones are informed – and it also enables us to do some good from beyond the grave.
Thinking about what happens after we die is something we would rather put off until later. Most of us do try to keep on top of financial matters during our lifetimes and put money aside for education, home ownership and retirement. A lot of people also generously donate money to charity – which we think is wonderful. SPOG can only carry out its research into childhood cancer thanks to donations from organisations and private donors – donations which really do help give a future to children and young people with cancer. However, not everybody sets out what should happen to their money when they die.
International Wills Day on 13 September serves as a gentle reminder that our loved ones will be very grateful if we have already decided what should happen to our assets when our time comes.
It’s not always possible – or desirable – for money to pass automatically to our children or siblings: some people live in blended families or unregistered partnerships, others would prefer to leave something to loved ones outside the family, or may not have any legal heirs at all. In this case, the money is passed to the state.
By making a will, we decide what happens to our money and personal property when we die. In doing so, the compulsory portions need to be observed. Under the new Swiss inheritance law of 2023, the freely disposable portion was increased. This gives us a greater degree of freedom.
And if supporting charities has been important to you during your lifetime, you may want to leave a legacy, too. You can do this by bequeathing a specified asset (known as a legacy or bequest) in your will to the organisation of your choice. It is also possible to appoint an organisation as a beneficiary.
We would of course be very thankful if you would support SPOG on a long-term basis. You can find detailed information and offerings for consultations on our website.
International Wills Day sends out a clear message: remember to set out your wishes – so that your will counts.
By leaving a legacy to childhood cancer research, you'll be giving a future to children and young people with cancer.
Jonas Wagner-Mörsdorf
Jonas Wagner-Mörsdorf is a Senior Fundraiser and primarily focuses on private donors and companies. In this context, his social science background is an asset. jonas.wagner@spog.ch
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