Craig Wruck
Craig Wruck
CHARITABLE PLANNING
One notable difference between planned giving and other methods of giving is that it lets the donor structure their assets to accomplish other things , such as providing for loved ones .
• They want to reduce , avoid or defer their taxes .
One notable difference between planned giving and other methods of giving is that it lets the donor structure their assets to accomplish other things as well , such as providing for loved ones . Clients can provide security for spouses , children or grandchildren by bequeathing their assets in a way that delivers their beneficiaries an income stream or lump-sum payments .
Understanding your client ’ s priorities is key in navigating a conversation about planned giving . You can ask them things like , “ What would you like to do with your money that would be meaningful to you ?” Such questions advance the conversation and help you understand where your client wants to make an impact . It is also important to make this an ongoing conversation , because their priorities can change and evolve over time .
You can also use planned giving in conjunction with a tax-advantaged vehicle like a private foundation or a donor-advised fund ( which holds assets earmarked for charitable use ) to achieve layered philanthropic objectives and maximize impact for the donor and the grantee .
It ’ s important to ask about your clients ’ philanthropic intent . Clients are often interested in investing and saving not just for themselves but for their families and communities . They can reduce their taxes along the way , but no matter how many tax and financial advantages they have layered on a charitable contribution , these benefits would not matter unless the clients were also generous .
Ultimately , the decision to make a planned gift will be personal , but if you understand the benefits and opportunities available , you can help educate and support your clients in accomplishing their multifaceted wealth goals .
CRAIG WRUCK is senior advisor in the planned giving division of Foundation Source , the nation ’ s leading provider of technology , administration and expertise for private foundations and planned gifts . 22 | FINANCIAL ADVISOR MAGAZINE | JUNE 2024 WWW . FA-MAG . COM