Part of our responsibility as "Stewards" (I Corinthians 4:2) is to be faithful with the financial assets that the Lord has allowed us to use. Normally, the more secure an instrument is, the lower the return; but to get a higher yield, the trade-off is usually higher risk. One privilege available to us that enables us to increase return and maintain security is the Charitable Gift Annuity. Fortunately we live in a country that encourages charitable giving.
This flexible Gift Annuity is very attractive:
- A guaranteed, nonfluctuating income for life.
- Usually, a greater return than is currently available on savings or securities.
- Substantial income tax savings.
- Possible savings on capital gains taxes and gift and estate taxes.
- The option of having another beneficiary receive the annuity for life as your survivor.
- The pleasure of knowing that your gift will ultimately serve and benefit the Lord's Kingdom.
Here's a recent example: a retired couple (he is 78 and she is 75) had 0,000 in a low interest security. By purchasing a two-life Gift Annuity with ICR, they will receive ,800 annually (considerably more than current interest rates) for the remainder of both of their lives. ,350 of that is tax free each year, and they qualify for a ,856 charitable deduction for 2002. The expected dollar payout to the couple will likely exceed the 0,000—not including savings from the tax deduction and the on-going tax free income portion.
They are pleased with the increase in income and delighted that they can assist ICR in the process. This way we are both able to "serve one another" as required by the Lord (Galatians 5:13).
