It may sound illogical, but it is often better to give on your terms then to let the IRS take on theirs. This goes doubly for estate planning where the government can take more of your assets. By taking the initiative and making proactive gifts, you can retain the right to direct how those philanthropic assets are used for the greater good.

Most of our clients agree that mom and dad’s financial independence (SafeBase®) comes first; their children's second and everyone else is third. But when posed with the following set of choices, they quickly begin to see the opportunity to give.

Through Legacy Capital Group California's SafeBase® process, your financial independence needs are defined, secured and protected and an appropriate inheritance is identified for your children. The last step in this process involves securing your children’s inheritance and your societal legacy.

Fortunately, we have a system of voluntary estate taxation in this country. By partnering with Charity, even a family-directed charity, we have the opportunity to give back to society while improving our family’s finances and social stature. Since anything given to charity is no longer subject to estate taxation, the family can retain the "influence benefits" of these assets while reducing the income and estate tax burden on mom and dad’s estate.

Rarely is there an opportunity to create a scenario where all participants are able to benefit and none are harmed. Philanthropic estate planning, when integrated into the SafeBase® Family Planning process, secures benefits for the whole family as well as society. You win, your children win and society wins.