If you have put off writing your will or deciding who gets your belongings when you’re gone, you are not alone. Face it, estate planning can seem like a chore. But—as with paying the bills or cleaning the house—it feels great when it’s done.
Getting started is often the hardest part, so we have put together a plan to help. Go step by step at your own pace, and soon you will feel the pride and the peace of mind that come from creating something that protects you and your loved ones.
Even better, your plan can protect organizations you love, like RPB. (See Step 5.)
First, your personal data. A solid estate plan should include the following:
Your estate plan paints a picture of your values and the people and charitable causes that are important in your life. An up-to-date will serves as the foundation of your plan, but also important are asset titling and beneficiary naming for retirement plan accounts and life insurance policies.
In this step, you will list each person and nonprofit you would like to benefit. For each recipient, include the gift or percentage you would like each to receive.
Who should fill these roles?
You can do kind, compassionate work that benefits others for generations with your estate plan. For example, you can designate Research to Prevent Blindness as the recipient of a percentage of an item or your estate. There are tax advantages for many planned gifts that extend your caring nature beyond your lifetime.
If you are considering remembering Research to Prevent Blindness in your will or through your estate plan, we would be happy to meet with you to help answer any questions you might have, with no obligation.
Ensure that any recipient of your generosity knows of your plans. This will make them aware of your intentions and will relieve undue stress in the future.
Congratulations! You have taken the time to ensure that your family and favorite causes are cared for far into the future. Continually review your estate plan whenever major life changes or tax law changes occur, to make sure it is still the best plan for you and your family.
Contact Nora Scott at nscott@rpbusa.org or 646-892-9560 to learn how you can support our mission with a gift in your long-term plans.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance. A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at 360 Lexington Ave., Ste. 22, New York, NY 10017. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401.
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