Viken Mikaelian

Estate Planning Goals Illustration: property disposition, charity, life insurance, living will, trust, succession planning
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Importance of Estate Planning: Why You Need an Estate Plan

Let’s face it: Estate planning isn’t exactly a dinner table conversation starter. But trust me, it’s one of those adulting tasks that’s way more important than we often give it credit for. So, what’s all the fuss about?

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A picture of the word "trustee" as a jigsaw puzzle piece, to illustrate a blog explaining the difference between a trustor and a trustee.
Estate Planning
Viken Mikaelian

Understanding the Key Differences Between Trustor and Trustee

In the realm of estate planning and trust management, the terms “trustor” and “trustee” are often used. However, many people find it challenging to differentiate between these two roles. Both the trustor and trustee play critical parts in the creation and management of a trust, but their responsibilities and functions are distinct. This article aims to clarify the differences between a trustor and a trustee and provide an in-depth understanding of their respective roles.

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An image of a red heart held between fingertips over a stack of money from a nearby piggy bank, to accompany a PlannedGiving.Com blog on making a gift to a nonprofit from your retirement plan.
Charitable IRA Rollover
Viken Mikaelian

10 Reasons to Donate from Your Retirement Plan

Donating from your retirement assets can potentially save your heirs from double taxation. By making a gift to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, there’s no income or estate or inheritance tax due on your retirement plan assets passing to them. Plus, you can also take advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover or make gifts that count as your RMD. And the best part? You can make a big impact on a cause you care about while investing in your own legacy and long-term happiness. Find out more about the benefits of donating from your retirement plan.

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A picture of two white women sitting at a desk and chatting, to illustrate a PlannedGiving.Com post about having an effective planned giving conversation.
Stewardship and Relationships
Viken Mikaelian

Mastering Planned Giving Conversations: Top Tips

Talking to donors about planned giving can be a game-changer for your nonprofit’s future. Planned giving, or including a charitable gift in a will or trust, provides a powerful way for supporters to contribute without impacting their everyday finances. Despite its potential, initiating conversations about legacy giving can be challenging. How do you bring up the topic without feeling awkward or intrusive? How can you convey the profound impact of such gifts while making the process simple and appealing?

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Gathered family and children with dog in the middle all sitting on a sofa
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

10 Important Reasons Why Everyone Needs a Will

Over 60 percent of all Americans are missing a critical legal document: Their last will and testament. While there are a lot of important reasons to create a will and keep it updated, here are the Top 10.

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