Articles of the Month
Special articles related to finances, personal planning and charitable giving.
Unitrusts - Farms and Crops
February 1, 2025
The United States agriculture and food industry supported over 34 million domestic jobs and contributed $1.53 trillion to the economy in 2023. In addition, American farmers annually produce agricultural products for export worldwide, reaching $175 billion in 2023.
Most farmers in America operate on a cash basis, meaning income and expenses...
Charitable Giving Opportunities in 2025
January 1, 2025
With the start of the new year, it is an excellent time for gift planners, advisors and donors to consider tax planning opportunities for 2025. Two full tax years have elapsed since the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act which created the opportunity to fund lifetime split-interest gifts with a...
Retirement Planning with Charitable Gift Annuities, Part II
December 1, 2024
For individuals at various stages of their careers, retirement planning is an important topic of interest. For those who are charitably minded, charitable gift annuities (CGAs) can serve as a valuable tool for planning and enhancing retirement security. With CGAs, donors can make significant charitable contributions that provide them with...
Retirement Planning with Charitable Gift Annuities, Part I
November 1, 2024
For many individuals, at various stages of their careers, retirement planning is an important topic of interest. For those who are charitably minded, Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) can serve as a valuable tool for planning and enhancing retirement security. With CGAs, donors can make significant charitable contributions that provide them...
Charitable Gifts of Homes, Part 2
October 1, 2024
There are many advantages to owning a home. Homes often appreciate over the years, providing stable growth and equity ownership. Over time, however, family and financial circumstances change, and the benefits of owning a home may no longer be needed. In such cases, homes can be excellent assets to donate...
Charitable Gifts of Homes, Part 1
September 1, 2024
There are many advantages to owning a home. Homes often appreciate over the years, providing stable growth and equity ownership. Over time, however, family and financial circumstances change and the benefits of owning a home may no longer be needed. In such cases, homes can be excellent assets to donate...
S Corporations and Charitable Giving, Part II
August 1, 2024
Individuals who want to start a business have several options for structuring their enterprise. As individuals explore the various possibilities, they often weigh factors like tax implications, liability protection and potential for business growth. S corporations, for instance, offer distinct tax benefits with passthrough taxation as well as asset protection...
S Corporations and Charitable Giving, Part I
July 1, 2024
Individuals who want to start a business have several options for structuring their enterprise. As individuals explore the various possibilities, they often weigh factors like tax implications, liability protection and potential for business growth. S corporations, for instance, offer distinct tax benefits with passthrough taxation as well as asset protection...
Charitable Giving with LLCs, Part 2
June 1, 2024
Individuals who want to start a business have several options for structuring their enterprise. As individuals explore the various possibilities, they often weigh factors like tax implications, liability protection and potential for business growth. One option is a limited liability company (LLC), which combines the pass-through taxation status of a...
Charitable Giving with LLCs, Part 1
May 1, 2024
Individuals who want to start a business have several options for structuring their enterprise. As individuals explore the various possibilities, they often weigh factors like tax implications, liability protection and potential for business growth. One option is a limited liability company (LLC), which combines the pass-through taxation status of a...
C Corporations and Charitable Giving
April 1, 2024
Individuals who want to start a business have several options for structuring their enterprise. As individuals explore the various possibilities, they often weigh factors like tax implications, liability protection and potential for business growth. C corporations, for instance, offer distinct benefits as separate legal entities with limited liability protection. This...
Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Charitable Giving
March 1, 2024
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are innovative and flexible financial instruments that allow employees to have a stake in the ownership of their company. While ESOPs are often associated with employee ownership and wealth accumulation, its use goes beyond these traditional structures. In the realm of charitable giving, ESOPs offer...
Charitable Gifts and Life Insurance Policies
February 1, 2024
Many individuals own life insurance at some point in their lives. Life insurance policies provide long-term financial protection to loved ones in the event of an unexpected death. Depending on the policy type, life insurance policies can also be a safe investment option. Over time, however, family circumstances and financial...