CINCINNATI (May 1, 2024) — If anyone knows the importance of planning, it's Bill Montague and Kelly Wittich.

Bill is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy^® and was an estate planning attorney for 37 years before retiring five years ago from Frost Brown Todd. Kelly is a Senior Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS/FTB Financial Services where she is a primary advisor with a focus on trust and estate planning. The couple have lived downtown for more than a decade.

Both have seen people delay planning and then rush to make financial decisions under duress. "Absolutely happens every day," Kelly says.

Such is not the case for Bill and Kelly. About nine years ago, they arranged for a generous estate planning gift to United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Acting on a suggestion by United Way's then-director of planned giving, the couple endowed their annual Tocqueville gift through the purchase of a life insurance policy.

"I thought it made a lot of sense," Bill says. "It was very painless financially. And I encouraged others in my law firm to consider it."

Both Kelly and Bill say they were raised with a faith background that emphasized helping others. The importance of giving back also was instilled by their parents, who, despite having limited resources, led by example.

"We have been fortunate in our careers," Bill says. "Especially later in our careers, we've had the wherewithal to make a difference financially as well as personally with our time. It's a way of us paying it forward."

Bill has served 12 years on the board of directors of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. He also serves on three committees at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the board of The Chatfield Edge, and has devoted many volunteer hours to other charities and organizations. He also teaches a Junior Achievement class for second-graders. "The kids are a blast. It's amazing how much they know," he says.

Kelly, too, is actively involved with charitable organizations, including United Way partner ProKids; ArtsWave; and From Our Angels to Yours. The latter foundation, which supports families and children, was established in 2007 in memory of her nephew and niece, Jacob and Sydney.

Bill and Kelly's contributions of time and treasure reflect the love these Cincinnati natives have for the Queen City. "The city is fortunate to have United Way's support for people and organizations," Kelly says. "It's a big part of the community."

"We view it as, if not the most important, one of the most important poverty-alleviating organizations in the metropolitan area," Bill says. "That's just critical. And the focus that has been brought to it in recent years has been important. I like how there is greater accountability now."

Looking back, how do they feel about the decision years ago to make a legacy gift to United Way?

"Great," Bill says. Adds Kelly: "It's not a worry. I don't think about it. Taking the time to plan feels good and gives you more time to give back!"

For others who might consider such a gift, Kelly offers this advice:

"Sometimes families want to leave a legacy gift but don't know how. So, they don't do anything. Start the conversation! United Way has plenty of resources to help you find the solution that works for you. And do it while you have time and can consider your options."