Volcan Mountain Foundation

Tom Webber is a VMF supporter and a retired Registered Financial Advisor.  VMF is the beneficiary of his own Charitable Remainder Trust

"You CAN have your cake and eat it, too"

Here's how some readers can help the Volcan Mountain Foundation preserve more wild land and wildlife, while reaping financial benefits for themselves and their families:

Maybe you've been lucky (or smart) enough to own stock or real estate that has grown to double its purchase price or more, but you don't want to sell because of capital gains tax. Say that you bought $10,000 worth of Amazon stock ten years ago. Now it's worth about $100,000. But Amazon doesn't pay any dividend, so you have to sell stock to access that accumulated value. And selling may cost you a large capital gains tax on your $90,000 profit.

However, it may be possible to avoid that tax (and help VMF) by using a Charitable Remainder Trust to donate your stock to the Volcan Mountain Foundation. In return you could receive a huge tax deduction AND immediately start earning a lifetime income based on the full value of your donation. That income can be set up to last your entire lifetime and the life of your spouse or significant other. In today's market your annual income could be permanently set at 5% of the full value of the trust.

But what if you've been planning to leave the stock to your survivors? The new extra income may mean that  you can reduce your withdrawals from the rest of your portfolio, allowing it to grow and possibly replace the value of the donated stock.

By making this decision, you can save on taxes and have more lifetime income. Plus, the flora and fauna of Volcan Mountain will be eternally grateful for your thoughtful planning. To learn about Charitable Remainder Trusts, consult an attorney and/or tax specialist. VMF can refer you to an experienced professional.

Contact: Eric Jones, Volcan Mountain Foundation, 760 765-2300 or eric@volcanmt.org