Experts discuss wills and trusts at Wooster meeting

Financial adviser Jason Hammond and attorney Michael Manning were guest speakers at the Half Full Bereavement Group monthly meeting at Central Christian Church for January.

Manning provided information about having a trust verses a will and ways to avoid probate. Setting up beneficiaries and sometimes making a new title with a transfer on death helps to avoid probate.

“A will is designed to accomplish how your assets are to be divided and the person you want to execute your wishes, probate, transfer on death for assets or add a beneficiary to your accounts,” Manning said. “Sometimes people forget about their property. You can put a transfer on death so your home won't have to go through probate. Do I need a trust is a question I get a lot. Sometimes a trust may be more specific in how to handle your assets.”

Hammond is from Edward Jones and offered advice about the four uses of cash.

“The amount of cash needed on hand is not the same amount for everyone,” he said.

Hammond provided a guide to take home with information about saving money. He shared about how much cash to have on hand, how much cash one needs in an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, and estate planning and necessary documents.

“Also, there are tax tips to take advantage of,” Hammond said. “Sometimes people are holding more cash than is necessary at certain times."

He suggested speaking to an adviser about when there may be a better alternative to earn more money, possibly through CDs.

The Half Full Bereavement Group was established in June 2022.

Debi Brown said, “It was designed to be a safe place where people with any kind of grief or loss could share their fears and their grief with people who have gone through the same thing. It has grown, and it is Christ-based. We always make sure people know that he is the reason that we continue to have hope. With the grieving loss of a loved one, you know for a fact that you are going to be with them again someday.”

The group meets the fourth Thursday of every month at Central Christian Church, 731 Main St., from 1-3 p.m. Enter at the Eighth Street door.

“All are welcome regardless of the situation of your loss. Just come,” Brown said. “You can talk and share if you want to, and if you don't, you can just sit, get comfortable and realize you are not alone. You don't have to talk; you don't have to call ahead. Just come. We have different activities at group suggestions. We go to lunch, and sometimes we bring in speakers.”