Seven Benefits of a Gift Annuity

If you would like to support Epiphany Lutheran Church while ensuring you still have a source of income, there’s rarely been a better time to obtain a charitable gift annuity through WELS Foundation. Low interest rates and roller coaster markets are causing people to think twice about their financial decisions, and to consider the seven benefits of a gift annuity:
 

1.       Attractive Rates. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will likely be pleasantly surprised. Note that rates are slightly lower when the annuity is for two persons. WELS Foundation uses the rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities.

 

2.       Regular Payments. When you establish your gift annuity, you receive your payments regularly on a specific, predetermined date, which is comforting and also helpful for planning purposes.

 

3.       Fixed Income. Your payment rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift annuity. It will not rise or fall with the economy. Instead, it will be the same amount every year—and that can mean a lot in uncertain times.

 

4.       Lifetime Benefit. Gift annuities are for life. No matter what your age as an annuitant or how long you live, your payments will continue right to the very end. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his or her life. This benefit of ongoing payments can provide security for each spouse as they enter their older years.

 

5.       Dependable Source. WELS Foundation stands behind all of their gift annuities. They have a reserve fund set aside to meet obligations and, what’s more, they back up annuity obligations with the full financial assets of their organization. They want you to feel safe and secure and to have confidence that your payments will continue without fail.

 

6.       Relief from Taxes. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax charitable deduction to apply on an itemized return. Also, during your life expectancy, you will be able to claim part of the annuity payment as tax-free income.

 

7.       Simple Process. Obtaining a gift annuity is much easier than most people think. A WELS Christian giving counselor will provide you with a free, tailor-made illustration so you can see how it all works with your age and contribution amount included. We provide materials you can share with your family and advisor(s).

 

Another benefit, of course, is the enormous satisfaction you will receive for making a charitable gift toward ministry through this helpful giving instrument. Every time you receive a payment, you will be reminded that your gift annuity will eventually benefit Epiphany.

 

For more information about charitable gift annuities or other planned giving instruments visit www.welsfoundation.net. This site includes a “gift guide” to help you evaluate your options. If interested, call 800-827-5482 (Milwaukee area: 414-256-3209) and you will be put in contact with our congregation’s local Christian giving counselor. There is no cost or obligation for working with a counselor.