Question 1

Who is Financial Planning Ministry?

Accepted Answer

We are a non-profit 501(c)3 ministry  that has served the Christian community for over 40+ years. We are funded by the support contributions of more than 150 partner ministries - not product sales.
 
We have assisted more than 50,000+ members in completing their personal estate plans in all 50 states. Our documents contain gift designations of more than $3,000,000,000 to Christian charities.
 
Our staff of over 40 provide outstanding service and support to our members. Michael Prior, J.D. has served as President of FPM for over 30 years with a board of non-profit directors.

Question 2

How does the Partnership work?

Accepted Answer

FPM will conduct educational presentations in person or virtually, each year.

We will offer one-on-one appointments following the events.

We will provide custom documentation for members to complete their estate plan.

Your members are eligible for ongoing follow-up and document updates from FPM at no out-of-pocket cost.

We request that you contribute financially to support the charitable purposes of the FPM ministry. Updates on your program’s gift progress will be provided to you.

Question 3

What are some benefits of partnering with FPM?

Accepted Answer

Teach your members about an important aspect of stewardship.

Give your members a tool to avoid probate, eliminate Federal estate taxes and protect their loved ones.

Build a steady, dependable, future gift income stream for the mission of your ministry.

Give your members an opportunity to support additional ministries important to them.

Provide an important benefit to your members from a proven ministry track record since 1982.

Question 4

Do you serve only churches?

Accepted Answer

Although we serve many churches, we are also partnered with various para-church ministries.
 
Organizations include Christian churches, universities, evangelistic associations, funding and lending institutions, missionary organizations, retirement homes and youth camps.

Question 5

Is this only about getting documents prepared?

Accepted Answer

FPM’s purpose is not only to provide a convenient document service for our members. It is about Stewardship.
 
More than 60% of the population die with no will or trust plan whatsoever. This often leaves their loved ones with a lengthy court process which can consume 6% to 8% of their estate.
 
It is not unusual for probate costs to exceed $30,000 or more by the end of the process.
 
With our assistance, this burden can be avoided. Our process also incorporates charitable giving through bequests.
 
In summary, the purpose of FPM is to guide members to better stewardship by helping them create their estate plan, avoid loss of privacy, and the costs of probate, then redirect saved funds to Kingdom purposes.

Question 6

When will we begin seeing financial results?

Accepted Answer

You will immediately begin seeing the commitments by members made through their estate plans. You will begin receiving gifts only as those donors pass away. Eventually, your gifts received will far exceed the investment you make in the initial years.

Question 7

Do you really cover everything?

Accepted Answer

We cover everything pertaining to educating and providing a basic comprehensive set of state-specific estate planning documents. Should a member have a rare but unusually complicated legal or financial need, we will refer them to outside counsel options for legal advice, which we do not provide. Any fees would be arranged privately between them and the professional they choose.

Question 8

Do you ever solicit our members for other financial services?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. We do not sell investments or insurance and do not participate in any solicitation of your members. There are no monies that exchange hands between FPM and your members.

Question 9

Do you understand individual state's estate planning issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have provided documents that are state-specific for the past 40+ years.

Question 10

What is the downside of this program?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for an immediate fundraiser, this is not the program.
 
You may wait 10 years or more to realize your first gifts, depending on the average age of your donors and life circumstances.
 
However, while time passes, you will be providing a valuable service to your members who will appreciate this gift you are providing for them. Eventually, you will likely receive a return well above the industry average of 4 to 1.  Typically, we observe ROI ratios ranging from 15:1 to 30:1— or even higher.

Question 11

What if we have more questions?

Accepted Answer

We’re glad to address any additional questions you have. This truly is a partnership among ministries, and we want you to be fully informed and engaged in the process for long-term success. Our timing is your timing.
 
You can either call us directly at 800.871.4901 or complete the form at the bottom of the Partners page, and we will get back to you.
 
Additionally, you can view our FPM Brochure for further insight.

Question 12

What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to learn more about partnering together to serve your members, please fill out our questionnaire, and we will set up a call with your leadership team. We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!

Frequently Asked Partner Questions