It seems like just about five minutes ago, I was talking to you about spring and the weather getting warmer. It certainly did that! Now we are looking at our calendars and thinking about how the end of the year will be here before we know it.
It has been a busy summer for DSUMF. We actively participated in Annual Conference in Mesa, sponsoring many things, including refreshment breaks during the entire conference, the reception for the Ordinands, the retirees’ registration fee and the lanyards used for the name badges. We also proudly debuted our new booklet entitled – I’m Dead. Now What? Your family will appreciate the information you have compiled for them to help out in such a difficult time.
Long faced with the knowledge that the Foundation needs to be more visible to more churches, the Foundation has opened a new satellite office location in the North District! The office is located inside the Fellowship Building of Green Valley United Methodist Church. Final work is being done to secure a spot in the South District. Anne will be in each spot every 5-6 weeks, for a few days at a time. Churches should be hearing from Anne to schedule an appointment to stop by and say hello and share good news and information on the services offered by the Foundation.
As we look ahead with you to the end of the calendar year, this may be a good time for you to consider using your IRA to fund a charitable gift annuity. There was a special provision added to the tax code last year through the SECURE Act 2.0. These annuities allow $50,000 as a Qualified Charitable Distribution from a traditional IRA to fund a gift annuity providing lifetime income for the IRA-holder or IRA-holder and spouse. Unlike a traditional gift annuity, the tax benefit is not paying income tax on the IRA withdrawal and counting that withdrawal as part of a Required Minimum Distribution. There is not a charitable income tax deduction and the annuity payments are all taxable. If you would like a personalized illustration to help determine whether this is something you are interested in, please give us a call.
Fall is sure to be as busy as summer has been. As you consider your plans for the rest of 2023, do let me know if the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation can assist you.