As you’ve likely read in the headlines recently, interest rates are trending upward in response to rising inflation. If your financial plans include a philanthropic component (or you would like them to), you may have wondered how higher interest rates affect charitable planning. Each month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes a charitable discount rate […]

In this three-part series, we’ll explore strategic gift options and introduce you to Duke alumnae who have made lasting impacts on the university through planned giving. Whether you are just starting to consider how a legacy gift can work for you, or are already working with a financial advisor or estate attorney, we are here […]

I flip over Flip CRUTs! I love “flip” charitable remainder unitrusts (flip CRUTs). This special type of gift planning vehicle is flexible and allows some donors to achieve their financial and philanthropic goals in a way that standard unitrusts or gift annuities cannot. A flip CRUT is a type of charitable remainder unitrust permitted by […]

The unexpected onslaught of COVID-19 has produced many responses – including the Federal Reserve reducing interest rates to historic lows. One key interest rate — known as the IRS discount rate (or Internal Revenue Code section “7520 rate”) — directly affects the deduction value of certain types of charitable gifts. The last time this rate approached […]

Charitable trusts can be a great way to support the causes you’re most passionate about while achieving your own financial goals. In this blog series, we will address three types of charitable trusts, including charitable remainder unitrusts, non-grantor charitable lead trusts and flip charitable remainder unitrusts. FAQ: Charitable Remainder Unitrusts What is a charitable remainder […]

In December 2019, President Trump signed into law several changes to the rules regarding retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Congress named the legislation the “SECURE Act,” which stands for the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act.” Some taxpayers may feel a bit more secure with these changes in place, or at […]

Have you considered supporting charity but felt unsure of the financial impact? If so, creating a charitable gift annuity or trust may be the right option for you! These types of gifts are known as “life income gifts” because they pay you or your loved ones an income for life or a period of years. […]

Charitable donors and their advisors occasionally ask whether it is possible to do a “tax-free rollover” or a “1035 exchange” of a commercial annuity for a charitable gift annuity without any tax due on the gain in the commercial annuity. Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.) section 1035(a)(3) can cause confusion on this subject since it provides […]

As an associate director of gift planning, I speak with a lot of Duke alumni and friends across the country about ways to support the university. Here are the four most common questions I receive from donors, alumni, and friends of Duke about planned giving: 1.  What is a planned gift and why should I […]

In an effort to stimulate the U.S. economy following the onset of The Great Recession in 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank reduced interest rates to historic lows. Post-2008 fixed income investments—including bonds, Certificates of Deposit, and money market funds—fell dramatically and investors who relied heavily on those assets suffered the most. Likewise, the payout rates […]