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Trends in Charitable Giving

According to Giving USA 2019, Americans gave an estimated $427.71 billion to charity in 2018.

Americans give to charity for two main reasons: to support a cause or organization they care about or to leave a legacy through their support.

When giving to charitable organizations, some people elect to support through cash donations. Others, however, understand that supporting an organization may generate tax benefits. They may opt to follow techniques that can maximize both the gift and the potential tax benefit. Here’s a quick review of a few charitable choices:

Direct gifts are just that: contributions made directly to charitable organizations. Direct gifts may be deductible from income taxes depending on your individual situation.

Charitable gift annuities are not related to annuities offered by insurance companies. Under this arrangement, the donor gives money, securities, or real estate, and in return, the charitable organization agrees to pay the donor a fixed income. Upon the death of the donor, the assets pass to the charitable organization. Charitable gift annuities enable donors to receive consistent income and potentially manage taxes.

Pooled-income funds pool contributions from various donors into a fund, which is invested by the charitable organization. Income from the fund is distributed to the donors according to their share of the fund. Pooled-income funds enable donors to receive income, potentially manage taxes, and make a future gift to charity.

Gifts in trust enable donors to contribute to a charity and leave assets to beneficiaries. Generally, these irrevocable trusts take one of two forms. With a charitable remainder trust, the donor can receive lifetime income from the assets in the trust, which then pass to the charity when the donor dies; in the case of a charitable lead trust, the charity receives the income from the assets in the trust, which then pass to the donor’s beneficiaries when the donor dies.

Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.

Donor-advised funds are funds administered by a charity to which a donor can make irrevocable contributions. This gift may have tax considerations, which is another benefit. The donor also can recommend that the fund make distributions to qualified charitable organizations.

Some people are comfortable with their current gifting strategies. Others, however, may want a more advanced strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits. A financial professional can help you assess which approach may work best for you.  If you have questions about charitable giving call CapSouth at 800.929.1001 or visit our website at www.capsouthwm.com

Remember, the information in this article is not a replacement for real-life advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Make sure to consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional before modifying your charitable giving strategy.

Investment advisory services are offered through CapSouth Partners, Inc., dba CapSouth Wealth Management, an independent registered Investment Advisory firm. Information provided by sources deemed to be reliable.  CapSouth does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.  This material has been prepared for planning purposes only and is not intended as specific tax or legal advice.  Tax and legal laws are often complex and frequently change.  Please consult your tax or legal advisor to discuss your specific situation before making any decisions that may have tax or legal consequences.

This article contains external links to third party content (content hosted on sites unaffiliated with CapSouth Partners). The policies and procedures governing these third-party sites may differ from those effective on the CapSouth company website, as outlined in these Disclaimers. As such, CapSouth makes no representations whatsoever regarding any third-party content/sites that may be accessible directly or indirectly from the CapSouth website. Linking to these third-party sites in no way implies an endorsement or affiliation of any kind between CapSouth and any third party, including legal authorization to use any trademark, trade name, logo, or copyrighted materials belonging to either entity.

[1] https://givingusa.org/giving-usa-2018-americans-gave-410-02-billion-to-charity-in-2017-crossing-the-400-billion-mark-for-the-first-time/

Administrative Assistant Position Opening

Administrative Assistant opening with a fast-paced wealth management company

 

CapSouth Wealth Management is a growing Wealth Management company in Dothan, Alabama, with offices in 2 other states, and actively looking to expand.  We are currently looking for an individual who gets excited about taking on challenges and can multitask in a high-demand and fast-paced environment.  The right individual will also embody our core values and thrive on working with a team.  We offer competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunity for growth.

 

Administrative Assistants are responsible for the overall management of the office environment.  This position requires high detail-oriented and organizational skills.  In a local office, this position will be relied upon to keep the office functioning at a high level of efficiency and be available to assist all personnel in the office on an as needed basis.  Administrative Assistants should have at least 2 years’ experience in administrative and/or office management positions, or a related degree from a four-year university.

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Welcome clients and guests as they come into the office with personalized greetings
  • Participate in client meetings by taking and posting follow up notes and tasks
  • Answer incoming calls, both internally and externally, in a warm, pleasant, and professional manner
  • Responsible for all local office paperwork preparation and processing with minimal mistakes
  • Manage and oversee the cleaning, landscape, grounds, and other maintenance contracts and work
  • Track, purchase, stock and maintain office supplies and storage

 

Requirements

  • Minimum of two years of college or post high school education (financial background a plus)
  • Must be efficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent client service and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to manage and protect highly sensitive information in a discreet fashion
  • Detail oriented and very organized
  • Bookkeeping experience

 

Benefits include:

  • Off every Friday at 1 pm
  • 401k plan with match, non-elective contribution, and potential for profit-sharing contributions
  • 10.5 annual holidays
  • Paid time off starting at 8 days the first year, increasing to 13 days in year two
  • Great medical benefits (partially subsidized by the company), along with the option to add a supplemental medical coverage, dental, vision, long-term disability, life, and voluntary life.

 

Email resumes to: karmstrong@capsouthpartners.com

 

Fax resumes to:  334.673.8625

 

Drop off resumes to Amy Kennedy:

CapSouth Wealth Management

2216 West Main Street

Dothan, AL  36301

Insurance When You’re Newly Married

 

Marriage changes everything, including insurance needs. Newly married couples should consider a comprehensive review of their current, individual insurance coverage to determine if any changes are in order as well as consider new insurance coverage appropriate to their new life stage.

 

Auto. The good news is that married drivers may be eligible for lower rates than single drivers. Since most couples come into their marriage with two separate auto policies, you should review your existing policies and contact your respective insurance companies to obtain competitive quotes on a new, combined policy.

 

Home. Newly married couples may start out as renters, but they often look to own a home or condo as a first step in building a life together. The purchase of homeowners insurance or condo insurance is required by the lender. While these policies have important differences, they do share the same purpose – to protect your home, your personal property, and your assets against any personal liability.

 

You should take special care of what is covered under the policy, the types of covered perils, and the limits on the amount of covered losses. Pay particular attention to whether the policy insures for replacement costs (preferable) or actual cash value.

 

Health. Like auto insurance, couples often bring together two separate, individual health insurance plans. Newly married couples should review their health insurance plans’ costs and benefits and determine whether placing one spouse under the other spouse’s plan makes sense.

 

Disability. Married couples typically combine their financial resources and live accordingly. This means that your mortgage or car loan may be tied to the combined earnings of you and your spouse. The loss of one income, even for a short period of time, may make it difficult to continue making payments designed for two incomes. Disability insurance replaces lost income, so that you can continue to meet your living expenses.[i]

 

Life. Central to any marriage is a concern for one other’s future well-being. In the event of a spouse’s death, a lifestyle based on two incomes may mean that the debt and cash flow obligations can’t be met by the surviving spouse’s single income. Saddling the surviving spouse with a financial burden can be avoided through the purchase of life insurance in an amount that pays off debts and/or replaces the deceased spouse’s income.[ii]

 

Liability. Personal liability risks can have a significant impact on the wealth you are beginning to build for your future together. Consider purchasing umbrella insurance under your homeowners policy to protect against the financial risk of personal liability.

 

Extended Care. Extended care insurance may be a low priority given other financial demands, such as saving for retirement. Nevertheless, you may want to have a conversation with your parents about how long-term care insurance may protect their financial security in retirement.

 

If you’d like to discuss your insurance needs, contact CapSouth Wealth Management at 800.929.1001 or visit our website at www.capsouthwm.com

 

Investment advisory services are offered through CapSouth Partners, Inc., dba CapSouth Wealth Management, an independent registered Investment Advisory firm. Information provided by sources deemed to be reliable.  CapSouth does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.  This material has been prepared for planning purposes only and is not intended as specific tax or legal advice.  Tax and legal laws are often complex and frequently change.  Please consult your tax or legal advisor to discuss your specific situation before making any decisions that may have tax or legal consequences.

 

This article contains external links to third party content (content hosted on sites unaffiliated with CapSouth Partners). The policies and procedures governing these third-party sites may differ from those effective on the CapSouth company website, as outlined in these Disclaimers. As such, CapSouth makes no representations whatsoever regarding any third-party content/sites that may be accessible directly or indirectly from the CapSouth website. Linking to these third-party sites in no way implies an endorsement or affiliation of any kind between CapSouth and any third party, including legal authorization to use any trademark, trade name, logo, or copyrighted materials belonging to either entity.

 

[i] https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/success/terrysavage/tca-disability-insurance-can-protect-you-from-unthinkable-20190410-story.html

 

[ii] https://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/05/05/6-reasons-americans-dont-have-life-insurance-and-w.aspx

 

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