Things You Can Do to
Leave a Legacy

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• Prepare a will. Only 40% of those who pass away have one. Without a will, you may lose control over your personal possessions.



• Leave a gift in your will for the non-profit organizations that make a difference in  your life. Americans are generous - 70% of us give to charity each year. Surprisingly, less than 6% of persons in American households have included non-profits in an estate plan. Imagine the positive impact on our community if everyone made a donation to their favorite nonprofits!



• Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the assets in your will to the non-profits of your choice.



• Consider using appreciated assets to fund current charitable gifts and planned gifts. These include, but are not limited to stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, real estate, vehicles, art and jewelry. Such gifts may even provide tax savings. Contact a professional advisor for advice.



• Name one or more non-profits as the beneficiary of your pension plan, IRA, retirement plan. Doing so can avoid estate and income taxes (up to 70%) that might otherwise be due on your plan. Be sure to seek the advice of an attorney or accountant when designating a charity as partial beneficiary of a retirement account.



• Name your favorite non-profits as the owner and/or beneficiary of a new or existing life insurance policy.



• Call your favorite non-profits about special funds you can support.



• Remember loved ones with memorial gifts.



• Encourage family and friends to leave gifts to non-profits in their will.



• Ask your financial advisor to include charitable giving as part of counsel to clients.