Category: Estate Planning

Quick definition A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a simple “give-and-get” arrangement: you make an irrevocable gift to a qualified charity, and in return the charity promises to pay you (and optionally your spouse or another annuitant) a fixed lifetime income. When the payments end, whatever’s left stays with the charity. Many nonprofits follow rate…

Introduction For small business owners, charitable planning is not only about giving back—it’s also about aligning philanthropy with tax efficiency, business succession, and long-term wealth preservation. Charitable trusts are among the most effective vehicles for balancing these goals. By integrating charitable trusts into a financial plan, business owners can mitigate income and estate taxes, provide…

Introduction High-net-worth families and business owners often balance three competing priorities: providing for their heirs, supporting charities they value, and minimizing the drag of taxes. A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) is a powerful estate planning vehicle that addresses all three. It allows you to give an income stream to charity for a set number of…

What a CLT is (and a 60-second history) A CLT is an irrevocable split-interest trust that pays an annual amount to one or more qualified charities for a fixed term (or someone’s lifetime). When that “lead” period ends, whatever’s left goes to your chosen non-charitable beneficiaries (kids, trusts for descendants, or even back to you,…

For retirees, high-net-worth individuals, and small business owners facing significant capital gains, income tax burdens, or estate planning challenges, Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) offer a powerful solution. CRTs are IRS-recognized tax-exempt trusts that allow individuals to convert highly appreciated assets into income streams, reduce taxes, support a charity, and preserve wealth for future generations. What…