Where there is a Will there is a way!

Do you have your standard Will in place? If you are like most Americans the answer is probably no.  Depending on what survey you look at, roughly 60-70% of people do not have a Will in place. A Will is the basic legal document that outlines your wishes for your earthly belongings and assets.  I know one thing for sure, if you don’t decide what to do with your assets, the State you live in has a process to decide for you.

Getting a Will done is just one of those things that people put off doing. They know it is important and it probably is on their to do list, but the excuses and procrastination always seem to win out.  For those of you who have an estate plan in place, it always good to review it every couple of years. A lot can change in that amount of time such as laws, beneficiaries, and financial status.

I often talk to donors who are in the process of completing or updating their estate plan documents and want to leave something to Michigan Lutheran Seminary or the MLS Foundation.  For those who have informed the MLS Foundation that they will be leaving a gift to us, they will become members of the Eberhardt Society.  Please contact the MLS Foundation office for more information about becoming a member of the Eberhardt Society.

I have included some links and other information that pertains to this topic.  As always please contact your professional adviser before making any estate planning decisions.

Wills and Bequests Booklet

Estate planning checklist- Simple easy checklist.

WELS Ministry of Christian Giving – This is a great place to start if you are unsure of what to do or who to talk to.  A giving counselor can walk you through the process and provide information that may help you with your situation.

Josh’s Thoughts for the Week

Tags

individual retirement accounts, ira account, ira rollover., minimum distributions, tax relief act

I hope to use this blog as a way to share ideas and stories of what is happening with the MLS Foundation and the donors we talk to.  The subject matter will usually pertain to real stories and gifting strategies that are used to help move the mission of the Foundation forward.

When it comes to charitable giving every donor is different and every one’s situation is different, but there are many donors who fall into certain category’s of ways to make a gift.  Many donors have questions on other strategies of gifting  besides just writing a check.  Although that is the simplest and most convenient way for donors to provide support.

This past week in conversations with donors the topic of individual retirement accounts (IRA) and required minimum distributions (RMD) came up frequently. A required minimum distribution is  a minimum amount that a retirement plan account owner must withdraw annually starting in the year they reach 70 ½ years of age. Many donors in this demographic will consider gifting their RMD or a greater amount if they don’t need it for living expenses. This may allow them to avoid paying federal  taxes on the distribution and help a charity they care about.

There is a law (2010 Tax Relief Act) that passed and was extended that allows an IRA account holder over 70 ½ years old a $100,000 lifetime gift exclusion limit from their IRA account to a charity or charities of their choice. IRA account holders have up until the end of 2011 to do this, before the law in reviewed.

This could be a great opportunity for you or someone you know to make a gift this way.  It seemed timely to point this out since donors are asking the questions and the end of the year will be here before we know it!

Here is a link that provides additional  information about this topic:
IRA rollover gift

As always please seek professional advice from your attorney, tax consultant, and investment advisor before making a gift.

Thanks for your support!

Josh Wakefield
MLS Foundation

Homecoming Tailgate Party

The MLS Foundation would like to invite you to celebrate the tradition of football, food and fun at MLS!

Please join us!

Friday, October 14th – 5:00pm
(on the practice field along Hardin Street)

Menu:
Pig Roast
Sides include:  Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Vegetables, and an assortment of pasta salads and fruit

Tickets are absolutely necessary. This fabulous partly becomes more popular every year, and you don’t want to miss the fun.

Tickets are available now! Purchase your tickets through the MLS Foundation office or Cardinal Corner, by email events@mls-foundation.org or call 989-793-7511. Also available online

High School & Adults – $12
Grade School (K-8) – $6
PreK and under – Free

(ticket prices do not include admission to the 7:00pm football game vs. Valley Lutheran)

Click below to play the card.

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MLS Sixth Annual Jersey Night

We’ve made a special invitation for you. Click on the picture to open it.

The Last Voice

The 1996 Mt. Everest Tragedy
On May 10, 1996, after six weeks of climbing, Lou Kasischke was 400 vertical feet from the top of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. But things started to go wrong. Lou and other climbers, facing conflicting goals and pressures, made a critical decision. Eight climbers died. Lou survived – even after being trapped near the top snowblind and frostbitten for two days. This was the worst disaster in Mt. Everest history.
The dead are forever entombed in Everest ice and snow. But Lou is here to tell the story, which is not just about death and survival in climbing Mt. Everest. The story has much in common with everyday life. It’s about people who set high goals and face the daily struggles and decision s- ambition and values, mistakes and judgment, teamwork and individuality. It’s about the power of will. The story is both sad and triumphant.
Lou will share the incredible events of his Mt. Everest expedition and what facing death near the top of the world has meant to his life – critical insights for business and person success.
The Mountain Climber and Business Leader
Lou Kasischke has climbed most of the classic mountain in the world, including the highest on six continents – Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Europe, South America and North America.
Lou has reached many summits in his professional career as well. He is a corporate lawyer and a senior member of Dykema Gossett law firm. He is also the author of a leading book on Michigan corporation law. Lou is also active in business. He is the former president and CEO of Pella Window and Door Company.
We are very pleased that Lou has arranged to share his story at Michigan Lutheran Seminary on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 3:00 pm. There is no cost for the event, but tickets are necessary. Call the MLS Foundation at 989-793-7511 to reserve. You can also reserve by email foundation@mlsem.org.