Most Arthritis Foundation donors want to make the greatest impact on the arthritis community through their current and future giving. However, some feel that family responsibilities limit their ability to give. This video shares the story of how Sam, with proper, thoughtful planning, was able to keep an important promise while making a gift to charity more powerful than he imagined.
Every day at the Arthritis Foundation, we fight this disease on all fronts – raising awareness, providing life-changing resources, holding community events and offering other local support – all while funding research that shows promise, not only for earlier diagnostics and innovative treatments, but also, ultimately, a cure.
Please take a moment to watch the informative video below to see how our mission is driven forward by the generosity of people like you.
Continue readingArthritis Foundation Donors Like You Fuel Our Mission
One of the most challenging times in life is dealing with the loss of a spouse or partner. You must not only deal with the sorrow and grief of your loss, but also attend to many details and decisions that need to be made. The Arthritis Foundation has a resource guide called When the Time Comes (WTTC) to help both prior to and during this difficult time.Continue readingPractical Advice for a Difficult Time
By Lauren J. Wolven
A few years ago, my partner received a scary phone call from her child’s college roommate. Her child had collapsed in the dorm bathroom while getting ready for class and was in the hospital. Terrified, my partner contacted the hospital, and she was shocked to learn they couldn’t release any information because her child was over 18 and legally an adult. The hospital required a medical power of attorney before they could tell her anything. She had to make the thousand-mile trip not knowing how her child was doing. It was one of the worst situations a parent could face.
What if you got a call that your loved one – spouse, parent or adult child – was in the hospital? Would you be prepared? It can be overwhelming to even think about, but guidance and help are available.
Continue readingPower of Attorney: The Importance of Being Prepared
There is always a certain degree of guesswork that goes into year-end tax planning, but this year there is the added uncertainty surrounding what the tax code will look like after Washington completes the overhaul of our tax system. The income tax rates for many individuals and businesses may decrease; the definition of income subject to tax may change considerably as well. Many itemized deductions that we have become so used to, such as the deduction for qualified medical expenses, state and local income taxes and real estate taxes may be eliminated.
However, if the resulting new rules resemble the proposals, there will be a doubling of the standard deduction and the possible elimination of the controversial Alternative Minimum Tax. Below are some tax-planning suggestions, including suggestions related to charitable gifts, which consider both the typical year-end planning techniques as well as planning for a potential overhaul:
You’ve worked hard for decades – and it’s about time to enter the next phase of your life. You’ll have time to catch up on those books you’ve been meaning to read, travel to places you’ve dreamed of visiting and perhaps volunteer for that charity you’ve always admired.
但是一个愉快的退休生活需要合理的财务规划。你怎么能保证你会继续得到你需要的终身收入，而不必担心你会有足够的?
Continue readingBenefit From a Charitable Gift Annuity While Doing Good
Most Americans don’t have a will. They will work to build a life and home for themselves and take care of their friends and family along the way. Unfortunately at the end of their lives, without a will, their property is up to state law instead of being distributed to their friends, family, or charity organizations of their choosing.Shouldn’t it be up to you to decide where your property goes?
Early in life while mowing lawns, growing and selling tomatoes and managing a neighborhood McDonald’s restaurant as a junior in high school, Kevin Mandrell always knew he had a natural knack for business. He was surrounded by strong business leaders and felt drawn from an early age to dive into business on his own.
Continue readingCreating a Legacy to Conquer Arthritis
你经常听到这句话:“仁爱始于家庭。”这个家庭的故事可以用一句话来描述:“慈善始于家庭，也结束于家庭。”韦恩被诊断患有关节炎时，他才20多岁，在亚利桑那州上大学。他的妻子卡罗尔是一名退休的高中英语老师，她说:“我记得他说他的背疼得厉害，当他不得不咳嗽或打喷嚏时，他就找一棵方便的树或墙来撑住。”
Years later, Carole and Wayne were browsing through a copy ofArthritis Today magazinewhen an advertisement caught their attention. The ad featured an opportunity to receive guaranteed payout rates for life and other financial benefits – while they helped the Foundation find a cure for arthritis.
Continue readingCharitable Gift Annuity: A Win-Win
Have you ever received information from theArthritis Foundation’s Planned GivingDepartment and wondered exactly what it means? Have you ever seen a request to remember the Arthritis Foundation in your will or trust or read that 25% of all revenue the Foundation receives is from donor bequests? Have you ever met one of the Foundation’s Planned Giving Directors and wondered if they could help you? If so, you’re not alone.
Continue readingPlanned Giving: Do More with Thoughtful Planning