PLANNED GIVING

 YOUR ESTATE PLAN

Have you ever wondered how you can help animals now and in the future? Your legacy of dollars, real or personal property, stocks and bonds, insurance, and other gifts can dramatically improve the lives of the homeless animals at the Woodford Humane Society.

It’s easy. The simplest way is through a gift in a will or a living trust. If you are considering making a provision for the work of the Woodford Humane Society in your estate planning, and would like to share this information with us, it will, of course, be treated as strictly confidential.

Besides a bequest, there are other options that can provide you with tax benefits while also helping the animals. A planned gift may increase your current income or provide additional retirement income, while reducing your taxes. It is important to explore your options with your attorney or financial planner so that both you and the animals receive the full benefit of any considered gift.

Examples of Planned Giving

• Bequests Through Your Will
• Charitable Trusts
• Life Insurance Gifts
• Retirement Plans
• Stock or Securities
• Property or Real Estate

The Four P's of Planning

An estimated 70% of Americans do not have an estate plan. But, estate planning can be easy and inexpensive if you start by following the Four P’s of Planning:

People: List everyone you would like to benefit from your assets: family, friends, and charitable organizations such as the Woodford Humane Society.

Property: Next, list all of your worldly possessions, including assets such as your home, life insurance, retirement funds and property.

Plan: Outline your estate distribution plan. Who should benefit, and what portion of your assets would you like each of them to receive?

Planners: Finally, identify planners who can advise you. This includes tax attorneys, accountants or financial consultants.

Why make a charitable bequest?  

The last opportunity you have to communicate with your family is through your estate plan. It tells your loved ones and the community what was important to you and how you want to be remembered.

Providing a gift through your will makes sense for many reasons. You will be providing support for causes you hold dear, such as the Woodford Humane Society. In addition, leaving a gift through your estate can minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Here are some options to consider:

• Giving A Specific Amount

• Giving Part of "What’s Left"

• Giving A Percentage

• Giving Specific Property

• Giving A "Child’s Share"

Not at all. Anyone can leave a gift. "Estate" is simply a word used to describe money or property that you own at the time of your death.

A memorial gift is a wonderful way to recognize someone who has made a difference in your life. You just need to make it clear that the gift is given in memory of a particular person or pet.

Don’t forget to plan for the future of your pets after your death. Many pet owners simply assume that a family member or friend will take care of their pet, yet fail to provide instructions or necessary funds for such care.

Considering pets in your estate plan allows you to direct the nature and extent of care and medical treatment desired for your pets and allows you to set aside funds for these purposes. For example, you could establish a trust which would provide funding for the life of your pet. Without such planning your beloved pet might be mistreated, forgotten or even euthanized.

Your wishes should also be included in your Durable Power of Attorney, which should be part of your estate plan in the event you become incapacitated and someone else will have to make decisions on your behalf.

Always provide your financial or legal advisor with our legal name "Woodford Humane Society" and federal tax identification number 61-0992070 to help ensure that your giving objectives are met.