This document provides an overview of estate planning from a Christian perspective. It discusses the importance of planning according to biblical principles in order to be good stewards and leave a blessing for one's family. It covers topics like wills, trusts, probate, taxes, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The overall message is that Christians should thoughtfully plan their estates in a way that honors God and provides for loved ones according to their values.

1. The
LEGACY
INSTITUTE
a division of
The LIFE Financial Group, Inc.
Roy L. Russell, CFP Greg Reed, JD

2. Parts of the following slides have been taken from Randy Alcorn’s book “The Law of Rewards.”
Rewards
Published by Tyndale Books.
Jim Elliot
1927-1956
Christian martyr in Ecuador
“He is no fool who gives
what he cannot keep
to gain what he cannot lose”

3. • The Treasure Principle
A. Where is our treasure?
Is it in IRA’s, 401(k) accounts, stocks,
mutual funds, gold coins, annuities,
real estate, expected inheritance?
or
Do you have a different perspective ?

4. B. Consider the question: What will last?
Finite Perspective – Farmland, real estate,
gold, investments, and other things will all
perish!
Infinite Perspective – We are told to fix
our eyes not on what is seen, but on what
is unseen. For what is seen is “temporal,
but the things which are not seen are
eternal.… For we walk by faith, not by
sight” (2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:7 + Col 1:16).

5. How would you answer
these questions?
1. If you had enough money
what would you do different?
How could you make a
difference?

6. 2. If the doctor said you only had 3
years to live what would you do
different?
3. If you were to die tomorrow what
would be your greatest regret?
Stingy?
Self-centered?
Carnal?
Unfaithful?

7. II. The Reward Principle
 When we invest money now in
God’s kingdom, we will receive
great rewards later in heaven.
It’s a totally different way of
thinking

8. Jesus said:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal; but lay up
for yourselves treasures in heaven…
For where your treasure is there
will your heart be also”
Matt 6:19-24

9.  We are expected to invest in the
Kingdom. Jesus actually commanded us
to store up treasures, in heaven.
 The reality of eternal rewards should
foster an investment mentality.
 What do we expect when we invest?
– We expect gain or growth!

10. I believe that…
“God prospers you and I
not to raise
our standard of living,
but to raise
our standard of giving”

11.  The Bible says that in the multitude of
counselors there is wisdom. Talk with
your children, your pastor, accountant
and/or attorney and seek wisdom.
 I am not an attorney and this is intended
to be informational only and should not be
construed to be legal advice. You should
consult with a licensed attorney regarding
any legal issues.

12. • Application: Ways to Raise
Your Standard of Giving
Often Overlooked Ideas
 Give frequent flyer miles
 Give matching challenge grants
 Assign rebates to the church
 Eliminate eating out for a period of time
 Do extra work for a specific project
 Have yard sales or re-sale items on e-Bay

13. Here’s some more ways to give:
 Shares of stock – great tax planning
 Real Estate – life estate?
 CRT – (Charitable Remainder Trust)
 Gift Annuity – with your church?
 Life Insurance – still needed?
 Family Foundation – how much is enough?
 IRA – tax planning is wise
 Collectibles: coins, gems, guns, books
 Software licenses – cheaper upgrades

14. Estate Planning from a Christian Worldview
A. God expects us to plan.
Be a blessing to your children. Proverbs 13:22
An inheritance is to be expected. Proverbs 19:14
Planning leads to profit. Proverbs 21:5
The foolish man doesn’t save. Proverbs 21:20
The foolish man doesn’t plan. Proverbs 22:3
We should know our net worth. Proverbs 27:23-24
Why?
Because, no man has power over the day of his death.
Ecclesiastes 8:8

15. B. Estate planning is often avoided.
 “Estate planning is confusing.”
 “I don’t want to think about death.”
 “I don’t think I have a large enough estate.”
 “The topic is too overwhelming.”
 “The Lord is coming soon – who cares?”
 “I don’t know who to name as guardian.”
 Write down your reason

16. II. When Do I Need Estate
Documents?
 The moment you start a family
 Any time you own assets in your name
alone
 Everyone needs a Will,
some need more

17. I. What should a Will include?
 Your Testimony and Challenge
 Charitable Planning for Ministry
 Provisions for Your Children
– Did you forget one?
– Christian Schooling or College?
 Guardian, Trustee & Executor
– Did you provide for backups?
– What age are they to receive the money?
 Proper Witness’s
 Memorandum and Self-Proving Affidavit

18. I. What is a Living Trust and
when do you need one?

19. A Living Trust
 Provides for ongoing management.
 Avoids the cost and delays of probate.
 Avoids ancillary probate.
 A must for the residents of some states.
 Is more complex and costly to draft.
 Still need a basic will.
 All titled assets need to be re-titled into the
trust: house, investments, etc.
 Usually for larger estates.

20. V. What is Probate &
how can you avoid it?
A. Probate - A legal process used to
transfer assets
- Occurs in every state where you own real
estate.
- Probate is very easy in some states and very
costly & troublesome in others. Attorney
fees can be costly and vary by state.
- It usually takes 1 year or more to settle an
estate.

21. B. Probate can be avoided.
 Through a living trust.
 Through proper titling of accounts.
 Through beneficiary designations.
– Annuities, IRAs, life insurance, etc.
 By not owning any titled property at
death.
 Typical attorney fees: hourly or
percentage of estate

22. VI. What Else Should You Know?
A. Federal Estate Tax - also called the
Confiscation Tax, this can take up to
50% or more of your estate at death.
Next year limit is 1 million dollars (this includes
all life insurance!).
– Avoid by planning ahead.
– Avoid by including a “disclaimer trust” in
your Will or Living Trust.
W
– It’s a moving target.

23.  Power of Attorney - Legally
appoints a personal representative
– Choose a backup
– Can be dangerous in the wrong hands
– But a lifesaver in others
– Needed by everyone, especially as you
approach retirement

24. C. Health Care Directive - also called a
Medical Power of Attorney.
– “Keep me alive forever” or
– “let me die in peace—pull the plug.”
– Living Will should contain
new HIPPA language to avoid
problems with doctors
and hospitals.

25. Drafting a Christian’s Will
is your final act
of stewardship.
Consider what’s important
to you as a believer
and protect your family.
Remember Proverbs 22:3
What does a wise man do?

26.  Please pass in the data sheets for the
Christian’s Will even if they are not totally
completed.
 Time for Questions ???
For a Financial Advisor with a Biblical World
View or to locate a Christian attorney please
visit our website or call us at (800) 688-5800
www.TheLifeGroup.org