Event Recap
Legacy in Action: Protecting Our Homes and Our Future
A Recap of the March Homeowner Meetup · March 22, 2026 · McKinney Center
There is a powerful energy that takes over when we start talking about the truth. At our March Homeowner Meetup at the McKinney Center, Marcus Cullen sparked that fire with one staggering number: 30%.
Only 30% of Black homeowners have a will.
In a room full of neighbors, that number hit home. Our houses aren’t just structures; they are decades of hard work, sacrifice, and a bold claim to our place in this city. Marcus, a dedicated financial advisor from Edward Jones and a familiar face at our meetups, returned to show us exactly how to move from just “owning” to truly “securing” our legacy.
Master the Mechanics: Wills vs. Trusts
One of the biggest “lightbulb moments” was Marcus’s breakdown of estate planning. He made it clear: these aren’t just for the wealthy—they are for us.
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A Will: Your voice after you’re gone. It tells the court who gets what, but it still travels through the slow, public, and often pricey process of probate.
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A Trust: Your family’s “fast track.” A properly structured trust keeps your home and assets out of the courtroom entirely, protecting your family’s time, money, and privacy.
Don’t Leave the “Container” Empty!
Marcus dropped a truth bomb regarding asset re-titling. Think of a trust as a protective container. If you set up the legal paperwork but never actually transfer your home’s deed into the trust’s name, the container is empty. Your house will still head to probate. Action item: If you have a trust, check your deed today!
Introducing: The Legacy Box
Wealth management isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about organization. Marcus introduced the Legacy Box—a simple, disciplined practice of keeping your financial life in one place. Imagine a single folder containing:
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Account info and insurance policies
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Property documents and beneficiary designations
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A “road map” for your heirs so they aren’t left searching for answers during a difficult time.
The Power Continues!
The energy was so high that we kept the momentum going with an Estate Planning Power Hour at the HUB just four days later. These smaller, focused sessions are where the real magic happens—where you can get specific answers to your unique financial questions.
Missed out? Don’t worry! Marcus is confirmed to return on April 23rd. Mark your calendars!
What You Can Do Today
The most inspiring takeaway? Don’t let “perfect” get in the way of “protected.” You don’t need a massive plan to start. You just need to start.
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Get a Will.
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Check your Deed.
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Visit us at the HUB. Every Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm, we are here to help you take that first step.
We are changing that 30% statistic together. One meetup, one plan, and one family at a time.
Want the full presentation? Download Marcus Cullen’s “Strategic Wealth Management for Black Homeowners” by emailing us at [email protected].
Join us for the next one! Sunday, April 19th: A deep dive into Senior Property Tax Exemption with King County Assessor John Wilson. RSVP HERE
We are still here. We shall not be moved!