What to do with our money (estate) when we die?

by life is to short 31 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • life is to short
    life is to short

    My husband just gave me the KM for June. I thought the question Box was interesting. I have never seen anything quite like it.

    It asks the question "What should be kept in mind if we want some or all of our assets to go to Jehovah's organization upon our death?"

    "When humans die, they no longer have control other their material possessions. (Eccl. 9: 5,6)" Is it just me or is that not condescending. ( Really they are writing this KM for adults and they have to tell us like we are children that when we die we do not have control? Really I am so glad they spelled that one out because I never could have figured that one out on my own. Ok maybe I am a little cynical when it comes to JW speak.)

    So the KM goes on to say So in advance many execute a will or trust that explains their wishes for distributing their assets. (1 Ki. 20:1) This legal document generally also indicates whom the person wants to serve as the trustee or executor. If the document is not prepared, in many lands the authorities will determine how to distribute the deceased person's assets. Therefore, if we have specific wishes regarding our assets, such as that some or all go to Jehovah's organization, it is important that we execute a legal document to stipulate this and that we carefully choose the trustee or executor.

    The trustee or executor has a heavy responsibility. Depending on the size of the estate, his assembling and then distributing assets can involve many details and can be time-consuming. In addition, the secular authorities often have guidelines that must be followed. Not everyone who is a member of the congregation would automatically be a good trustee or executor. The person we choose should be someone whom we know to be capable, trustworthy, and willing to follow our wishes.-See the article "The Wisdom and Benefits of Estate Planning," in the December 8, 1998, issue of Awake!

    If You Are Asked to Be a Trustee or Executor:

    f you are asked whether you would be willing to administer someone's estate upon their death, first make sure to count the cost and determine prayerfully if you are able to fulfill this responsibility. (Luke 14: 28-32) After the person's death, you will need to inform all who are named as beneficiaries. Then once you have authority to do so, it will be your duty to distribute the assets according to the law and exactly as directed in the will or trust. A trustee or executor should be aware that whether the estate is large or small, liberties should not be taken with the assets. Any bequest to a legal entity used by Jehovah's Witnesses are dedicated funds that belong to Jehovah's organization.- Luke 16:10; 21:1-4."

  • nugget
    nugget

    this moves things on from merely leaving a bequest to the society it is now suggesting that someone in the congregation be the executor of the will. JWs are notoriously untrustworthy at such times. I can see alot of children disinherited when a small bequest to the society becomes a much larger share.

  • life is to short
    life is to short

    That's what I thought also nugget. It is now involving someone in the congregation. So if the child is no longer a JW he will get nothing if the WT can help it.

    LITS

  • elderelite
    elderelite

    Saw this too.... I was appaled. It stank of a plea for dead peoples money. I was frankly disgusted, and i cant fully articulate why just yet... I mean, if the end is comming any day now, why plan for peoples deaths??? Hypocritical bastards

  • HintOfLime
    HintOfLime

    Where are all the JW appologists quoting bible scriptures for us?

    "Pay back therefore, Caesar's things to Caesar...."

    ...but the mighty Dollar Bill should be paid to Jehovahâ„¢.

    - Lime

  • blondie
    blondie

    The WTS used to be a little more discreet about their money grubbing, putting it in a side article in November close to tax donation cutoff time, printing a brochure to help jws with "investments", doing secret donations behind the scenes at the conventions/assemblies. My husband told me he had to announce the amount of the donations each month in the accounts report, it was in writing from the WTS to do so to encourage donating.

    I do believe that jws have not been exacting in setting up donations to the WTS and the Legal Department has had to waste "valuable" time straightening it out.

  • talesin
    talesin

    suggesting that someone in the congregation be the executor of the will. JWs are notoriously untrustworthy at such times. I can see alot of children disinherited

    Yup, that's the position I'm in. Oh, well, it was my choice to turn my back on Jehovah, so why would I deserve the inheritance I was promised years ago?

    t

  • JWdaughter
    JWdaughter

    Is it only important to fulfill the financial "obligations" to "Jehovah's Organization" or is the trustee supposed to be conscientious in all of his actions towards all beneficiaries? Duh, if the person is going to be an executor and they are such an honest JW that they are taking counsel about it from a WT, then why would THAT need to be spelled out in that way? Aiyiyi

  • shamus100
    shamus100

    Well thank goodness that the WTBTS is spoon-feeding everyone this nonsense! :D Dear lord, don't take any liberties you executors. We need as much ca$h as we can get.

    And yes, that is condescending.

  • Chariklo
    Chariklo
    Any bequest to a legal entity used by Jehovah's Witnesses are dedicated funds that belong to Jehovah's organization

    That's an interesting phrase. "A legal entity used by Jehovah's organization". That sounds just a little bit like something set up as a strategy for getting round an awkward law or something. It sounds very peculiar. Can anyone throw some light on it?

    Apart from that, this appealing for people's cash all the time is highly distasteful.

    "And, hey, you executors out there, don't you dare make uoff with Jehovah's money. Well, Ok, not his money, his organization, that's us, and Jehovah's money is ours, you know, ours, all ours. "

    PS: Anyone heard of Thor asking for so much as a penny?

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