Picture your estate as a pie. When you decide whom you want to share it with, you can cut big slices, little slices or somewhere in between.
We talk to many supporters of American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation who worry that leaving a gift in their will to the Academy Foundation may jeopardize their family’s well-being. The pie analogy comes in handy. You dictate the serving sizes. You can ensure that your loved ones get the biggest portion of your estate. You can also make sure your family gets served first.
Instead of a fixed amount, consider leaving American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation a percentage of your estate or of specific assets. That way, your charitable gift will adjust according to future circumstances, and gifts to loved ones will remain proportional—no matter how your estate fluctuates. Here are two ways to do it:
The great thing about gifts from your will is that they are flexible: You can change your mind at any time. Just know that whatever you settle on, a gift to American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation does not have to be large—every slice makes a difference.
Even a small piece of your estate makes an impact. Contact Todd Lyckberg at 415.447.0386 or tlyckberg@aao.org to learn more about supporting the Academy Foundation while serving family first.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.