Estate Planning in the Digital Age

Make a Big Impact With a Future Gift

Most of us are living life online. We manage bank accounts, read the news, browse social media and shop for just about everything.

With all those accounts come numerous usernames, PINs and passwords. They can be tough to remember and even tougher to change!

It isn't easy for us to keep track of our own online accounts, so imagine how difficult it would be for a loved one to access them in case of an emergency. These accounts make up your “digital estate,” and they are a critical part of your overall estate plan.

3 Steps to Securing Your Digital Estate

In three steps, you can ensure your digital estate is protected and your loved ones know how to access your information in case of an emergency.

  1. Create a list of your digital assets and passwords. Using an online management program with encryption or storing them on a flash drive are good options for keeping your information secure.
  2. Find a safe place to store this list. Your will may become public record when filed, so don't include this sensitive information there. Instead, keep it in a location (such as a fireproof lockbox in your home) that is accessible by your executor or a trusted loved one.
  3. Make a plan. Determine what you want to happen with each account and outline the details with your executor or loved one. State laws differ when it comes to handling digital estates, so an estate planning attorney may be of help in this step.

What's Your Legacy?

You can create a lasting legacy at WQED by including us in your future plans. Contact Jui Joshi, Director of Development, at jjoshi@wqed.org or (412) 622-1386 to learn more.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to WQED a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I hereby give $x.xx to WQED Multimedia, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, incorporated in Pennsylvania with its headquarters at 4802 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to WQED or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to WQED as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to WQED as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between you and WQED where you agree to make a gift to WQED and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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