How Can You Be Generous While Guarding Your Own Financial Security?
Some call it compassion—the nature of an individual who cares deeply for others and desires to help however possible. This compassion and willingness to share, however, may be tempered by the need for financial security. Taking control of your own finances is one of the most powerful ways to ensure your ability to share with others.
If you have been considering a significant charitable gift but are concerned about how you can afford to do so, look no further. The following are five suggestions on how you may be able to give a larger gift than you ever anticipated.

Let a Bequest Fulfill Your Passion
The easiest gift to make is a charitable bequest. Since it does not require you to part with anything during your lifetime, it can be a low-cost gift. In fact, many people find they can give more through a bequest than they previously thought possible. Bequests are welcome in any amount; they and other planned gifts are the foundation that supports the future of Holy Trinity. A bequest can be simply stated in your will, codicil, living trust or trust amendment. When preparing a bequest to Holy Trinity, please ask our development office for the appropriate language.

Pension and Retirement Fund Designations
Many people receive much of their retirement income from a variety of pension funds. While these plans provide many tax benefits during life, as much as 65 percent in income and estate taxes can be imposed on these assets at death, leaving a mere 35 percent to pass along to heirs. Instead, consider a strategy that transfers less-taxed assets to family members, and give the retirement plan assets to a tax-exempt charitable organization like Holy Trinity. The entire value of the plan will help support our mission.
To do so, you simply need to indicate our organization as the beneficiary on the fund’s beneficiary designation form.

Life Insurance Policie
Although it’s often an overlooked asset, life insurance can be a very cost-effective way to make a significant and meaningful gift.  You can donate a policy, which will remove it from your taxable estate and provide you with a current income tax deduction. Or, you can buy a new policy and make us the owner and beneficiary. In either case, the future premium costs are tax deductible.

Relief From Property Management
While real estate is commonly an investment made to provide retirement income, managing the property is often a burden. Rather than worry about upkeep, most of our donors would prefer to travel, enjoy hobbies or visit with friends and family.
There are many ways to give investment real estate. You may place the property in a charitable trust, which can provide you with significant tax benefits and an income for life. In the case of your principal residence or vacation residence, you can deed the property to Holy Trinity, receive an immediate income tax deduction and continue living there for the rest of your lifetime. Our development office can show you how to benefit from various opportunities available through gifts of real estate.

Compare the Value of Your Securities
The stock market is always a moving target. Even though some people may suffer losses, others will hold securities that have realized significant gains, making these assets well-suited for a charitable trust. In return, you can receive tax-saving benefits and supplemental retirement income while helping secure the future of Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School.
A charitable gift should always be tailored to your personal needs. We can help you design a gift that works for you and for us.