More and more people are discovering that beneficiary designations are a simple and attractive way to make a planned gift. 

What is a beneficiary designation?  It is a statement that describes who or what should receive an asset or financial account after the owner dies.

They are simple because a donor doesn’t need to hire an attorney to complete a designated beneficiary form.  They are attractive because they can be changed at any time.  This simplicity and lack of cost is appealing to many donors.

And, unlike a will, transfers made by beneficiary designation pass outside the probate process, which lessens probate expenses, preserves privacy, and allows the transfers to occur more quickly than if they passed through probate.

If you own a qualified retirement plan, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), and would like to make a planned gift, you can simply update your beneficiary designation form and name St. Luke’s United Methodist Church as a beneficiary.   Beneficiary designation gifts may help your heirs avoid paying income tax on certain inherited assets and may help your estate avoid estate taxes.

For more information, visit our website, stlukeslegacy.com, or contact me at 317.399.6202 or at david.heetland@gmail.com.  I would be happy to answer any questions that you have and help you determine whether a beneficiary designation gift is right for you.

Thank you for your continuing interest in, and support of, our mission of helping people find and give hope through Jesus Christ.

David Heetland

Pastor of Planned Giving

P.S.  Jerry and Sue Shanks joined St. Luke’s in November 2022, and they have already included the church in their estate plans.  Click here to read what led them to do so.

 

 

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