DOUG AND SANDI OMAN

Sandi Oman did not want to go. It was the summer of 2016 and she had better things to do than accompany her husband, Doug, to an estate planning session with Doug Olson, CFRE, vice president at Thompson & Associates.

"I don't really understand a lot of that," she said. "I wasn't looking forward to it. I did it, but I wasn't happy."

Because Doug serves as chair of the Planned Giving Committee at the Sanford Health Foundation of Northern Minnesota, he was offered an exclusive sneak peek of what Thompson & Associates' values-based estate planning session is all about.

"I primarily decided to meet with Doug so I would know exactly how it worked," he said. "As far as the committee is concerned, I would actively go through it to know how he operated and what type of person he is."

The Omans met with Olson to review their estate plan in six sessions. They discussed their values and passions with Olson, and he explained their estate plan to Sandi in non-technical language.

"I was surprised," she said. "He made it easy to understand."

They discovered they were in a position to make a real philanthropic impact.

"We ended up talking about how I was a teacher and how I could help with a scholarship or foundation to benefit special education kids," Sandi said. "I never thought I could do something like that. After we met with Doug, he showed us how to use money wisely and the cheapest way possible to do that."

Values-based estate planning services are offered by the Sanford Health Foundation to our most valued friends. It's a complimentary process with no hidden agendas or pressure. There are no obligations, no time restraints, and conversations are kept in the strictest confidence without the presence of any Foundation staff member.

The Omans encourage others to meet with Thompson & Associates and benefit from their thoughtful, personalized advice and guidance.

"Doug showed us how we could change people's lives," Sandi said. "This process makes you realize your money can go beyond yourself."

To learn more about creating your legacy like Doug and Sandi or to make an appointment, please contact your regional expert .

Published December 2016