If the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut has been of benefit to you, a family member or friend; or you have heard about and are interested in supporting the work we do, we hope you will consider us in your charitable giving.

More than 70% of Americans contribute to the nonprofit groups of their choice throughout their lifetimes. Only 6% continue this support through a gift in their will or estate plan. By making these “planned gifts,” you can continue to help the Child Guidance Center make an important difference in the lives of children in our community. Here are five ways you can leave a legacy.

1. Prepare a will. Only 40% of those who pass away have one! Without a will, you may lose control over the assets you wish to pass along.

2. Include a charitable bequest in your will. Work with your lawyer to include a charitable bequest in your will (or revocable living trust if you have one). Your bequest can be an outright gift of money or property, a gift of a percentage of your estate, or a gift of the rest of your estate after gifts to your family.

3. Use your retirement plan. By filling out a simple change of beneficiary form, you can name the Child Guidance Center as a beneficiary of your tax-deferred IRA or 401(k) retirement plan. Don't worry - the money is still yours to live on following your retirement. By naming a charity as the beneficiary, you are giving away only whatever is left at the time of your death.

4. Use your bank accounts. Consider filling out a change of beneficiary form and name the Child Guidance Center as beneficiary of your checking or savings accounts. Again, the money remains yours to use during your lifetime as needed.

5. Leverage your life insurance policy. It is easy to call your life insurance company and request a change of beneficiary form. You can name a charity as beneficiary of all or part of the policy proceeds following your death.

When you leave a legacy, you make sure that help continues to be there for those who need it. Talk to your lawyer or financial advisor today. Help us continue to reduce emotional suffering and dysfunctional behavior and help each child achieve optimal potential.

All donations can be made out to the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, Inc. Our tax ID # is: 06-0712058.

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