Year-End Tax Planning for Maximum Impact
Why Now is the Perfect Time for Tax Planning Proactive personal tax planning is a year round exercise under the best of circumstances. At the very least, the final 3 months of the year should…
Probate and Estate Planning in Georgia
The term “probate” has taken on connotations that suggest something bordering on the sinister and best to be avoided. In fact, probate is a process by which a Will is proven and determined to be…
Should You Sell Your Life Insurance Policy for Charity?
Do you still need your life insurance policy? Several years ago, I was managing an endowment fund for a small museum. As a result, I worked with several of the board members on their gift…
Understanding Recent Tax Law Changes and How They Affect You
How have the recent tax law changes affected you? This is a question that can be asked almost every time after a session of Congress has concluded. Or when new laws are passed. If major…
Understanding Planned Giving vs. Legacy Giving
Planned Giving vs. Legacy Giving? How are donors to go about understanding planned giving vs. legacy giving? Aren’t most gifts by definition “planned?” The term “planned giving” has always annoyed me even though, as an…
Common Questions from Couples Making Estate Plans
Couples Making Estate Plans Couples making estate plans frequently ask some common questions regarding taxation of inheritance. In particular, what is the “best” way to name beneficiaries on life insurance and retirement accounts? And how…
How Does Planned Giving Benefit Me?
Fighting Against Insecurity At first blush, it may seem strange to ask how giving away money might benefit the giver. There are, of course, many references to the spiritual benefits of this activity mentioned throughout…
Vehicle Donations Potentially Impacted by RMD Changes
RMD Changes In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the age requirement for taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts. This change has important implications for individuals who own vehicles and…
Charitable Planning With Life Insurance
Life insurance can be an excellent way to make a charitable gift.[1] Life insurance allows you to make a substantial gift to a charity at a lower cost, with potential tax rules that benefit individuals…
What is a QCD?: Charitable Contributions from IRAs
What is a QCD? Did you know that if you are at least 72 you can make tax-free charitable donations from your IRA? By making a Qualified Charitable Distribution or QCD you can benefit your…
Charitable Gift Annuities: A Creative Option During Retirement
Charitable Gift Annuities How many prospective donors have I talked with who desired to contribute to their charity of choice, but were reluctant to make that commitment because they didn’t want to expose themselves financially…
Importance of Having a Will
My mother gave me so much, but one of her kindest gifts was preparing well for her death. When she died, I was devastated; I cried, wailed, and felt lost. However, she learned from the…