How to Leave a Legacy

1. Think about the causes that have been important to you and that you'd most like to help. Maybe you or someone you know has benefited from the serviceof a particular organization. Maybe you're an active volunteer or a believer in the mission of a specific organization. You might want to leave a gift in memoryof a loved one or for a specific use.

2. Call the non-profit group of your choice. It can tell you more about what it does, what opportunities are available for giving and how your gift will allow it to continue its good works.

3. Review the list of LEAVE A LEGACY Western New York Non Profit Partners as a sampling of non-profit organizations who support our message.

4. Contact your professional advisor for help. An advisor can make sure you are getting the maximum tax and legal advantages allowed for your gift. If you do not have one and need a referral, ask your friends or colleagues whom they have used. Below are some questions to ask an advisor during your selection process.

Questions to ask a prospective advisor:
1. What is your typical client like, and what are your areas of expertise? How do you prepare a plan?
2. How often will we meet once the plan is implemented and how much will the sessions cost?
3. Ask for a written agreement that outlines the services you will receive and how much they will cost.

How to contact specific professional associations Attorneys:
Bar Associationof Erie County 716-852-8687
Bar Association of Erie County Lawyer Referral Service 716-852-3100
Bar Association of the Tonawandas
Lockport Bar Association
Niagara Falls Bar Association
Genesee County Bar Association
New York State Bar Association 800-582-2452
New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 800-582-2452

CPA's with a specialty in financial/estate planning:
Estate Analysts of Western New York
American Institute of CPAs 888-999-9256

Financial Planners:
Institute of Certified Financial Planners 800-282-7526
International Association of Financial Planners 888-806-7526
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors 888-333-6659

Contact phone numbers to confirm the advisor's regulatory record and financial disclosure forms:
Security Exchange Commission 800-846-2722
North American Securities Administrators Association 888-846-2722 to check on your advisor.
National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation 800-289-9999 to check on your broker.
The National Fraud Exchange will check an advisor for a fee of $40; contact # 800-822-0416 ext. 33.

"LEAVE A LEGACY - Individauls - How to Leave a Legacy" Leave a Legacy Western New York. http://leavealegacywny.org/ (2 May 2011).