Family obligations and the need to provide for retirement, coupled with the high cost of living, make it difficult for many people to consider substantial charitable gifts now.

But there is a way to have the satisfaction of making a meaningful lifetime gift without sacrifice. In fact, you can get current income tax and financial benefits. It is called a life income gift.

You irrevocably transfer some assests to the Red Cross now, and in return, you (and a survivor, if you wish) receive income for life. By making a life income gift to the Red Cross, you will receive the following benefits, in addition to the pleasure of knowing the good work your gift will do.

The benefits include:

• A charitable deduction in the year you make the gift for the present value of our right to eventually receive the assets.
• Your effective yield is increased by substantial income tax savings.
• Income can be taxed more favorably in some plans.
• Your probate and estate administration costs may be reduced.

• Charitable Gift Annuity:

  If you are looking for ways to increase your income during retirement, the Red Cross Charitable Gift Annuity is an answer. It's a method of charitable giving that offers you a long list of benefits.

  Example:

  Jane Church, age 80, makes a $25,000 irrevocable gift to the American Red Cross Mid-Fairfield County Chapter. The Red Cross will pay her $2,225 annually for the rest of her life with her 8.9% annuity rate. A portion of the payment is tax-free and Jane can claim a charitable deduction on this year's income tax return.

IF YOU ARE	ARC ANNUITY PAYS
90	12%
85	10.4%
80	8.9%
75	7.9%
70	7.2%
65	6.7%

• Charitable Remainder Trust:
  

  This life income plan is created by transferring assets to a trust that pays you (and another beneficiary, if you wish) income for life.

  At the end of the trust, the remaining trust assets are transferred to the Red Cross. A bank or trusted advisor can serve as trustee.