Charitable giving is only for the rich! Well, not exactly. In fact, nearly half of the US Population makes some form of giving a part of their lives. Giving to religious organizations tops the list, followed by giving that helps to provide human services. Education is a distant third and so the list continues.

Did you know that you could make gifts through your Last Will & Testament? Leaving a legacy can include a gift to your church, your synagogue, or to support a community project like Maranatha Ministries or Project Share.

Many organizations will be glad to assist you in making a gift. And your gift is not limited to a cash gift. We have seen cars, boats, condominiums, precious metals, collectibles and other items which can be used or turned into cash at the discretion of the charity receiving the gift. There are companies that specialize in helping to donate goods, like a boat or a car, to charity. There is software that is designed specifically to assist in making these donations. But don’t be overwhelmed. Leaving a gift through your Last Will & Testament can be a simple step to add to your estate plan.

And there are tax advantages to giving. While I do not believe the tax advantage should be the reason that anyone gives, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of the laws as written. Your attorney can assist you with creating the gift, leaving the legacy that you desire. A skilled attorney who assists in administering your estate will be able to take full advantage of the tax benefits of your gift.

Charitable giving is not only for the rich. Dave Ramsey has it right, “The most fun you will ever have with money is giving it away.”