Author Archives: Stewardship Foundation

Unique CLT Opportunity in 2012

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Tonight’s first presidential debate signals that the 2012 election is fast approaching.  Regardless of the occupant in the oval office in 2012, tax changes are inevitable. Leon C. LaBrecque addresses many of your concerns in his article, The Perfect Storm: Prospective Expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts. For example, LaBrecque concludes:

“Charitable lead trusts are very attractive for 2012. The ‘Tax Storm’ of 2012 has a wide-reaching and profound effect on individuals, particularly those with charitable intent. The current historically low interest rates provide an unprecedented opportunity for Charitable Lead Trusts, excluded gifts, or low interest rate loans. The possible expiration of the Bush tax cuts make it an imperative for taxpayers with estates larger than $1M to sit down with advisors and make a determined plan of action. If the cuts expire, individuals will have a very narrow window of opportunity to utilize the $5.12M exclusions, the GST exemptions, and the benefits of the current law. This is a year in which pre-planning is crucially important. And, in the off chance that the estate tax is repealed and the income tax rates are permanently lowered to the tax cut rates (in which case we will have a whole new set of problems), the overall family and charity situation has been reviewed and carefully considered.”

As you listen to the debates and decide how you should vote consider your tax situation and explore whether the charitable lead trust is a sound option.  The Stewardship Foundation has developed many charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts and donor advised funds for our clients.  Please contact us so we can assist you to optimize this unique opportunity.

Save your Platform

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In my last blog I wrote I was intrigued by the phrase, “We can Build It” that was prevalent during the Republican National Convention. So, to give equal inspirational opportunity to the Democrats, I cannot help but comment on what a TV commentator said during a report on the DNC’s party platform debacle. He correctly reported that party platforms developed at conventions are nowadays ignored and/or forgotten..

Reflecting on the seeming insignificance of the party platform through  the eyes of my responsibilities here at Stewardship Foundation, I was concerned whether our investors know how seriously we take the principles in which we believe! As the Executive Director of the Stewardship Foundation I wondered as I listened to the subsequent discussion, isn’t the platform an important structure upon which to build the party’s argument for election?  Doesn’t the platform express the vision and mission of the party?  And, isn’t the platform the outline of ideas expressing the party’s intent and action plan? Isn’t it what the Democrats ‘say’ that they believe?

While it is not my intent to contrast the principles of the two parties, I am compelled to notice that the RNC coverage focused on what they can build, whereas the TV coverage of the DNC was more about what they can disavow, dismantle, or ignore.  As the Executive Director of the Stewardship Foundation I want you to know that we encourage you to build your family legacy and express your values, mission, and vision.  We also encourage you to build your “platform”, which should support your values and vision.  Know that the platform that you entrust to the SF will not be ignored or forgotten, but rather it will be foundational in the investments and donations that we make on your behalf for generations to come.

We Can Build It

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Hands lifting a globeListening to the string of speeches during the Republican National Convention, what caught my attention was the frequent use of the phrase “We Built It” – a fairly obvious emphasis of the perceived differences between Republicans and Democrats. However, being who I am, instead of meditating on contrasting policies and political positions, I thought of you. When I see or hear the phrase “we built it,” I think of our investors and donors. Why?

Indeed you have built many important “its” in your lifetime. You built families, businesses, values, and your legacy. Every donor has a story not just about what was “built,” but also about the continual restoration, rebuilding, and remodeling that was critical to build, grow and safeguard your important “it” in its present state. So ask yourself, whom would you entrust to build up your family? Who do you trust to guide and manage your business? Who must develop your personal and family values and safeguard your legacy?
No one will work as hard or as passionately to protect and defend what you have built in your lifetime.

At the Stewardship Foundation, we understand your passion and that is why we continue to partner with you as you continue to build the legacy you and your family deserve. As always, never hesitate to contact us at the Stewardship Foundation so we can help you “Build It.”