CFI's Visioning Party announcing Our NEW HOME! MANY MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE...

Where there is a will, there is a way….

Many of our loyal CFI Friends often say that they wish they could give more, but they are on a fixed income and just cannot afford to give more.  We THANK them for what they are able to give us year after year, for we appreciate those consistent gifts and value deeply what they represent.

What we also want to point out, however, is that there IS a way for every one of us to give more to CFI…How?...through a bequest of one's Will.  These charitable gifts reduce taxes for donors and provide vital funding for CFI programs and future growth.  Through planned giving, such as a Will or trust, you can continue to help MAKE A DIFFERENCE for those who follow, provide new opportunities, support a special need, and provide a legacy.

You have many options when it comes to charitable giving.  Here are examples of how PLANNED GIVING can provide a legacy of support for the future while allow you to protect your current income, provide for your retirement or ensure your heir’s security, or maximize tax benefits:

A Gift of Cash

Cash contributions are deductible as an itemized deduction in the year you make the donation, up to a total of 50 percent of your adjusted gross income.  Excess charitable deductions can be carried forward for up to five (5) additional years.

A Gift of Securities

The best stocks to donate are those that have increased in value, particularly those producing a low yield.  In order to preserve tax advantages, it is critical that you give the securities to us rather than liquidate them and give us the proceeds.

APPRECIATED SECURITIES

If you donate stock that has risen in value and that you’ve held for more than one year, you pay not capital gains tax when you make the gift and are entitled to a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock.  (Your income tax deduction is limited to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.  Any excess can be carried forward for up to five additional years.)  If you wish to continue investing in a specific stock, you could donate the stock to us and then use cash to purchase new shares, thus increasing your cost basis in the new shares to current fair market value.

DEPRECIATED SECURITIES
If you have stock losses, generally you should not contribute the stock but rather sell the stock to realize the loss to the extent allowed for tax purposes.  Then contribute the cash and take a charitable deduction.

MUTUAL FUNDS
A charitable gift of mutual fund shares provides the same tax advantages as a gift of appreciated stock.  Due to the complexities involved in the transfer of mutual fund shares, we encourage you to begin the giving process well before December 31st.

A Gift of Life Insurance

You can contribute a life insurance policy to us by naming us as either the owner of the policy or simply as the beneficiary.  If you name us as owner and beneficiary, in most cases, you will be entitled to an income tax deduction limited to the lower of the fair market value of the policy or your cost basis in the contract.  In addition, you continue to pay premiums on a policy that we own, you can deduct the future premium payments.

A Gift of Real Estate

If you own property that is not subject to a mortgage and has appreciated in value, a charitable gift may be an attractive option.  You can claim an income tax deduction for property held for more than one year based upon the fair market value of the property, avoid all capital gains taxes and remove that asset from your taxable estate.  Or, you can give your home or farm to us now and continue use the property for life.  You will be entitled to an income tax deduction based on your age and the value of your property.

Life Income Gifts
Life income gifts allow you to receive an income as a result of making a charitable gift. Depending upon the type of plan you choose, the payments can be fixed or variable and can be for you or other beneficiaries you choose.  For example, you may create a charitable remainder trust to make payments to you for life and contribute money, stock or other property to it.  Once placed in the trust, the assets can be sold (avoiding up-front capital gains tax) and the proceeds reinvested to produce a higher yield.  Life income gifts entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction, based on present value of your future gift to us.

TALK WITH OUR ENDOWMENT OFFICER

Please contact Ryan Mizushima at EDWARD JONES for questions regarding planned giving that will benefit both the giver and CFI. Just call (970) 243-5411 and ask to speak with Ryan Mizushima about how YOU can help lead the way for CFI Friends who follow.

Programs and activities offered by the Center for Independence (CFI) are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. The information in this publication is not intended as legal advice.  For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are based on current rates at the time of printing and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only; individual state taxes may further impact results.

Participate in Giving to the Center for Independence an make a contribution that will have enduring results....

Many thanks to our financial support team

Edward Jones

Wells Fargo