Life Stage Gift Planner™

Over Age 70

Three people sitting on a bench.

At this stage in life, some of the financial issues you may find yourself dealing with are:

Maintaining financial stability
Anticipating healthcare needs and insurance coverage
Concern about the financial future of younger members of the family

For the charitably inclined, certain types of gifts can provide solutions to taxing problems:

Charitable bequest
If you would like to make a substantial gift for the Gardens but you do not have the current disposable income or assets to do so now, consider a charitable bequest.

Cash, checks, and credit cards
A gift of cash is easy to make, and the gift is not subject to gift or estate tax. A contribution of cash or by a check that is postmarked in December is deductible for that tax year—even if the Gardens receives it in January—provided the account against which the check was written had sufficient funds to cover it in December. A contribution by credit card must be made by December 31 in order to be deductible for that tax year.

Real estate—retained life estate
Give property to the Gardens while retaining the right to occupy the residence or operate the farm.

Gifts of retirement plans at death
Retirement-plan benefits left to heirs are often more highly taxed than other assets. Consider giving them to the Gardens instead to make a meaningful gift and leave other assets to heirs.

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