Where there is a will there is a way to help

Many people are failing to make a will, according to new research.

Most people do not like thinking about death and the effect it has on those they leave behind, but it is something that has to be faced eventually by all of us. It is natural to want your property and assets to pass to whoever you choose, and by making a will you can ensure your wishes are carried out.

A study by Which? has found that a third of over 45s are yet to make a will, and 56% of the population do not have one at all. Reasons cited in the survey ranged from people saying they did not having the time, or that they did not need one.

But it only takes a few minutes to make a will – and it can make all the difference to the people you leave behind. It is easy at the same time to remember those who need help and there are substantial tax advantages to encourage charitable legacies and donations.

Detailed below are the ways you can help NBCS help children and young people with visual impairment by leaving a legacy in your will. It couldn’t be easier – our legal and financial experts will give you all the advice you need and they will make an extra donation themselves for every donation they handle for our supporters.

Give our children a brighter future – and save money.

NBCS depends heavily on legacies and donations to fund our work with children and young people who are blind and partially sighted.

We’ve teamed up with a national network of solicitors and will writers through Birmingham-based RT Law to make it easy to include a donation in your will.

Through our website www.nbcs.org.uk you can download a new will or codicil form which can be returned direct to our panel of solicitors who will be happy to give you any advice you need.

RT Law will donate 10% of all fees received by them from drawing up wills or codicils benefiting NBCS.

Charitable donations and legacies are exempt from UK inheritance tax – another advantage to consider when planning how to leave your estate – and we have also arranged a special discount rate with RT Law if you include a donation to NBCS in your will. Details are available through our website. RT Law’s website is at www.rtlaw.co.uk, call Tracy Thomas on 0121 429 1414, or follow the link below.

Making the most of your generosity

Independent financial advisers IFPG Ltd (with whom we have also teamed up) have given us some guidance on the most cost-effective way to donate or leave a legacy to NBCS. They can also provide advice on all aspects of planning member’s personal finances, particularly with the future support of children in mind.

Can I make a gift now as well as after I die?

You can make a one-off donation or regular payments by direct debit or through Payroll Giving (GAYE), and you can leave a legacy in your will. All these methods of giving are UK-tax exempt. This means that for every £1 donated, NBCS can claim an extra 25p. And if you, as a donor, are a higher rate tax payer, you can reclaim 25p tax yourself.

Can a life insurance policy be gifted to NBCS?

By writing the benefit into a flexible trust when you take out the policy you can nominate NBCS to receive the proceeds after your death, and you can also assign an existing life insurance policy to NBCS.

IFPG will answer any questions on how to maximise your donations to NBCS, or any other financial concern that you may have. An initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation. Their website is at www.ifpg.co.uk to arrange for a call from an IFPG Ltd adviser nearest to you simply click the link below and submit the enquiry form:

 IFPG will also donate 10% of all fees arising from making a gift to NBCS.

These are just some of the ways you can enable NBCS to help the estimated 24,000 children with visual impairment in the UK who need your support.

These are just some of the ways you can enable NBCS to help the estimated 24'000 children with visual impairment in the UK who need your support.  To find out more call 01278 764 764