Susan
and Fred know what hard work is all about. And they have the rewards as a result.
Susan:
"I was one of the lucky ones. It was a very tough time for me and my family,
but they were there when we needed a little help. Did it make a difference? Only
in every aspect of my life! 
Fred:
"We know how important help is when it is needed, and we know how difficult it
is for them to maintain their facilities, keep their equipment up-to-date, and
get volunteers trained and organized."
Susan:
"We benefited because they had been supported by others before us - but now we
can give back. And what a joy it is to know that when we no longer need it, part
of it is going to someone who does. It's awesome - we are changing lives!"
Fred:
"That's why Susan and I made the decision. Not only will the
trust provide income to us throughout our lifetimes, but since we funded it with
several stocks that had gone up quite nicely over the years, we were able to avoid
capital gains tax on the appreciation. And, we have peace of mind knowing that
the remainder will benefit an organization that's doing really good work."
There
are two different types of charitable remainder trusts.
A charitable remainder unitrust is a popular way to achieve tax benefits as well
as a fixed annual percentage on the value of the assets in the trust. The assets
are revalued annually and, if the trust value changes, the payment to the beneficiary(ies)
changes. An example
is available.
A
charitable remainder annuity trust is set up to pay a fixed rate of return based
on the initial valuation at the time the property is placed in the trust. The
trust assets are never revalued. Some additional information on charitable
remainder trusts is also available.
Now
click here
to meet Phil and Alicia.
For
additional information, please call Sue Landgraf, V.P. Resource Development,
HOPE Services at 408-284-2887 or slandgraf@hopeservices.org