“Helping people maximize what the Lord has given them to manage!”
This statement is the very essence of what Gift Planning Services is about. We believe that life is meant to be abundant, and we are all guardians of God’s Gifts. We are here to enjoy these bountiful gifts, but also to act as stewards and protect and manage these resources so that we might pass them on for future generations to enjoy. Your assets represent the blood, sweat and tears of your lifetime. You’ve built an estate, and whether it is modest or sizeable, it would be a shame to lose it to unnecessary taxation. Planning for Zero Estate Tax is one of our goals for you. The other is to help you realize your dream of providing for loved ones, ministry, and charities of choice.
Often we have loved ones that may not have the fiscal responsibility or prowess to properly manage our assets. Leaving a lump sum of money to someone who is unable to manage it can actually be devastating. You do not want to see your assets squandered, nor do you want to be the ruin of someone who is simply not skilled or trained in financial matters. In such a case, we can help you establish a Living Trust, which puts your assets into safe investments and provides an ongoing source of income for loved ones who may need your care and guidance even after you’re gone. Proper gift planning allows you to maximize your assets, so you may provide for the care of loved ones and provide for your church to continue its ministries. You can also plan gifts for charities who do important work, leave the legacy of a scholarship, and create a memorial that touches the lives of people.
When you are preparing your last will and testimony, we encourage you to give special thought to the “testimony” part. This is your last opportunity to reach out to family and friends…your last chance to leave them with your thoughts and parting words. We encourage you to take this opportunity to include a Preamble –a statement of your Christian faith—in your will. This simple act of faith can be such a comfort and powerful re
assurance to your loved ones in their grieving. Martin Luther, Michelangelo, George Washington and countless other Christians have included a statement of faith in their wills. Over the last century, this practice all but disappeared as attorneys became more involved in the process. Over the last 30 years, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has encouraged church members to reinstitute the practice.
A Christian Preamble to your will can be as simple as your favorite Bible passage, or may be a personal story or quote. Your message of unshakable faith will be heard at a time that is very emotionally charged. It may lead someone to accept Jesus into their lives, or may renew and re-energize the faith of a Believer. Gift Planning Services can help you create or choose your Christian Preamble, and we are available to work with your attorney in drafting your Christian will.