AARP Montana and MSU Extension Offer "Wednesday Wisdom" Virtual Workshop Series on Estate Planning

Montana State University (MSU) Extension is partnering once again with AARP Montana to offer a free three-part virtual workshop series, “Wednesday Wisdom,” focused on helping Montanans navigate estate planning decisions in 2026. The popular series will be presented by Dr. Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist and professor at MSU.

“For some Montanans, estate planning can be one of the most important and confusing decisions they make in their lives,” said Dr. Goetting. “It raises essential questions of personal legacy and how to ensure the right people—or organizations—receive one’s property after death.”

“AARP Montana is proud to partner with Montana State University Extension once again to bring this valuable ‘Wednesday Wisdom’ estate planning series to Montanans,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “These free virtual workshops are open to everyone—regardless of AARP membership status—and offer practical, expert guidance to help individuals and families make informed decisions about their legacy and assets. We encourage all Montanans to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to gain clarity on one of life’s most important topics.”

Over the past several years, Dr. Goetting has delivered more than 500 educational sessions, reaching over 15,000 Montanans with valuable financial and estate planning information. She has earned state, regional, and national awards for her programs and authored dozens of “MontGuide” fact sheets on estate planning topics.

Part 1: Families and Legacies — Decisions, Decisions, and More Decisions: Wednesday, January 21, 2026; 10 AM to 11 AM MT; Free online via Zoom. Many people assume a will controls everything, but property titling, beneficiary designations, and Montana’s intestacy laws often determine what happens without a plan. Dr. Goetting will highlight key decisions already made (or defaulted to by state law) and how to ensure your real and personal property goes to your intended heirs or nonprofits.

Part 2: To Have a Trust or a Will? That Is the Question: Wednesday, February 18, 2026; 10 AM to 11 AM MT; Free online via Zoom. Revocable living trusts have gained popularity through ads and seminars, but they aren’t right for everyone. Dr. Goetting will discuss the pros and cons of revocable trusts, testamentary trusts, QTIP trusts, and wills to help participants choose the best tools for their situation.

Part 3: Tools for Avoiding Probate on Your Assets to Save Money for Your Beneficiaries: Wednesday, March 11, 2026; 10 AM to 11 AM MT; Free online via Zoom. Montana offers several ways to bypass probate, including payable-on-death (POD) designations, transfer-on-death (TOD) registrations, TOD deeds for real property, and beneficiary designations for vehicles and vessels. Dr. Goetting will cover these tools, along with the income tax implications of gifting or inheriting assets and recent tax changes.

All sessions are free and open to anyone, but registration is required. To register and for more details, visit: aarp.org/WednesdayWisdom.