Jefferson County Launches Free Legacy Planning Program to Help Increase Asset Protection and Intergenerational Wealth
Jefferson County Launches Free Legacy Planning Program to Help Increase Asset Protection and Intergenerational Wealth Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center to offer one-on-one to legacy planning support to help residents retain wealth by protecting and preserving assets, with support from Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund 10/28/2025 –
Today, Jefferson County, in partnership with Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin and the national nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) announced that free legacy planning services are now available through the Jefferson County FEC. This one-on-one financial counseling program offers adults working or residing in Jefferson County access to help with legacy planning and taking steps to protect their assets at no cost. Those interested in learning more or scheduling their first appointment can do so by visiting https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/fec.
Research shows that the vast majority of Americans own at least one asset – a bank account, a 401K, or a home – that is valuable today and likely to appreciate, but few have taken the steps necessary to secure those assets. Nearly 70 percent of Americans do not have a will or a broader legacy or estate plan. By increasing access to information about topics like adding beneficiaries to accounts and creating essential documents such as wills and powers of attorney, this program will help people in America protect their assets for the future.
“Every family in Jefferson County deserves the peace of mind that comes with planning for the future,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “By offering free legacy planning services at the Jefferson County FEC, we are breaking down barriers that too often prevent residents from protecting what they’ve built and ensuring their loved ones are cared for. This is about equity, dignity, and helping our community thrive across generations.”
“Jefferson County FEC counselors work hard to help clients build assets. With the addition of legacy planning services, counselors also can help Jefferson County residents protect and preserve those assets for future generations”, said Jonathan Mintz, President and CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “We are thrilled to partner with Jefferson County and Michael Luckey to provide these crucial services and ensure that legacy planning is available for everyone.”
Jefferson County is one of dozens of cities and counties nationwide offering free financial counseling services through the FEC initiative. At FECs, professionally trained counselors provide one-on-one guidance to help individuals and families with low and moderate incomes manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, access safe and affordable mainstream banking products – and now, protect and preserve their assets.
FECs have served more than 200,000 clients nationwide. Collectively, they have helped residents reduce over $344 million in debt and grow their families’ savings by nearly $70 million. About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting edge experience with large scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their f inancial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in over 145 cities and counties, and has disbursed over $70 million to local governments and their partners to support these efforts.For more information, please visit www.cfefund.org or follow us on Bluesky at @cfefund.bsky.social; learn more about the FEC Public initiative at www.fecpublic.org.
About Jefferson County Department of Human Services Jefferson County Department of Human Services is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all county residents through high-quality, accessible programs and services. The department works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by addressing a broad range of human needs—including housing, employment, behavioral health, and financial stability. In partnership with Community Action Coalition, Jefferson County Human Services will help lead the implementation of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), ensuring residents have access to the tools and support needed to achieve lasting financial wellness. For more information, please visit www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services. About Community Action Coalition (CAC) Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin works to end poverty and help people live better lives. Serving Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties, CAC empowers individuals and families through programs in housing, food security, and financial empowerment.
For more information, please visit www.cacscw.org.
Media Contacts: Heather Nunez, hnunez@jeffersoncountywi.gov Rhiannon Tonnies, rhiannont@cacscw.org Katie Plat, kplat@cfefund.org
