An estate tax increase some Republicans might support
Here is an interesting post from the Oxford University Press’s Blog that reviews the debate over limiting estate tax charitable deductions for bequests to private foundations. Whether one agrees with the author or not, it could become an important issue to understand and follow.
Disclosure: Mark Kluge only offers securities and advisory services through Wall Street Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG), Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. WSFG and BlueMark Advisors are separate entities, independently owned and operated.
Are Donor-Advised Funds the Best Place for Your Charitable Dollars?
This article from U.S. News & World Report MONEY provides some insight on the benefits of Donor Advised Funds and balances the discussion with commentary from some advisors questioning whether the upward trend in DAFs will increase charitable giving.
Disclosure: Mark Kluge only offers securities and advisory services through Wall Street Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG), Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. WSFG and BlueMark Advisors are separate entities, independently owned and operated.
10 Trade-Offs Donors Face That Make Philanthropy Tough but Rewarding
Philanthropists confront difficult choices, like choosing between their personal passions and society’s needs. This article posted in The Chronicle of Philanthropy explores those choices in depth.
Disclosure: Mark Kluge only offers securities and advisory services through Wall Street Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG), Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. WSFG and BlueMark Advisors are separate entities, independently owned and operated.
Year-End Charitable Gifts
The holidays often inspire Donors to think about gifts to their favorite charities. As 2014 draws to a close, there isn’t much time remaining to implement structured charitable gifts. However, there are a few techniques that can be put in place fairly quickly.
Contributions of cash are quick and easy, and are subject to a limit of 50% of Adjusted Gross Income. Year end is a good time to review charitable travel expenses that might be deductible: transportation at actual or 14 Cents/mile, meals & lodging. Tally up your volunteer out-of-pocket expenses which may be deductible. Read more »
People Making a Difference
Some videos of wonderful people making a difference:
Charles Collier – Cure Alzheimer’s Fund
Veronika Scott – Empowering Homeless Women
Alan Hilfiker – University of Rochester
Nick Vujicic – Inspiring Youth
Disclosure: Mark Kluge only offers securities and advisory services through Wall Street Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG), Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. WSFG and BlueMark Advisors are separate entities, independently owned and operated.
Securities offered through Securities America Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. BlueMark Advisors and Securities America Companies are separate companies. Mark Kluge is licensed to discuss and/or sell securities in the following states: CA, FL, MA, NY, OH. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax and/or legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Please see disclosure page for full additional disclosures.