FINANCIAL PLANNING - Estate Planning

|Financial Independance| |Legacy| |Charitable Giving|

CHARITABLE GIVING

Giving to charity has a strong tradition in Canada. But with recent government cutbacks, the amount of public funding received by charitable organizations has been dramatically reduced. This leaves many organizations in a precarious financial situation: with more fiscally conservative governments, aging populations and escalating operational costs, many charities are faced with the reality of being unable to maintain effective levels of service.

Not only do charitable donations provide individuals and organizations with the satisfaction of giving back to their communities, but recent changes to Canadian tax laws now ensure that there has never been a more tax-advantaged time to give.

What can you give?

• Cash
• Gifts in kind (typically stocks, bonds and real estate)
• Certified cultural property (works of art, historical or other cultural artefacts)
• The proceeds of a life insurance contract
• Donating registered plans (RRSP, RIF)