Meet Dani

Dani Richter, Director of Philanthropy at the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, has been helping Floridians make an impact for the past five years. A Tampa Bay native, Dani grew up fishing its waters and developed a lifelong love for Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. She now combines her expertise in philanthropy with her passion for conservation and is excited to answer your questions. Contact her at [email protected].

June 2026

Dear Dani,

A few years ago, I finally got around to creating a will. It felt like a huge accomplishment, and I’ve been patting myself on the back ever since. But recently, a friend told me that having a will doesn’t necessarily mean all of my affairs are in order. Now I’m wondering: was checking that box enough, or are there other things I should be paying attention to?

—Checked the Box
Tampa, FL

Dear Checked the Box,

First, congratulations! You’ve already done something many people put off for far too long.

Creating a will is one of the most important steps in planning for the future. But your friend is right. Having a will does not always mean the job is finished.

One of the most commonly overlooked parts of estate planning is reviewing beneficiary designations. Assets like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and annuities typically pass directly to the beneficiaries listed on those accounts, regardless of what your will says.

That means if you named a beneficiary 15 years ago and never looked at the paperwork again, those assets may not go where you currently intend. Life changes. Marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and evolving priorities can all affect your wishes.

I often tell people to think of their estate plan like a boat. Just because it is seaworthy today does not mean it never needs maintenance. A quick review every few years can help ensure everything is still pointed in the right direction.

This is also a great opportunity to consider the legacy you would like to leave. Many supporters choose to include the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or through a simple provision in their will. These gifts can help protect Florida’s wildlife and natural resources for generations to come, often without affecting their finances today.

The good news is that if you already have a will, you are well ahead of the game. Now it is simply a matter of making sure all the pieces of your plan are working together.

So yes, checking that box was a big accomplishment. Just remember that every so often, it is worth opening the box back up and making sure everything inside still reflects your wishes.

Warmly,
Dani
Director of Philanthropy
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida