Allison: We had a good year last year and we were looking for ways to maximize our deductions and reduce what we owed in taxes. At the same time, we were considering the best way to make a gift to our favorite charity.

Larry: We are both in good health. We are still working, so we don't need extra income right now, and retirement is still probably more than 10 to 15 years away. We were looking at smart ways to save for retirement. Our retirement goal is to live comfortably and travel the country in our motorhome to visit friends and family.

Allison: We met with a gift planner from our favorite charity. He explained the benefits of setting up a deferred gift annuity. He told us that we could give our stock to charity instead of selling it and receive an immediate charitable tax deduction. Plus, when we turn 65, the deferred gift annuity would make annual retirement payments to us for the rest of our lives.

Larry: We set up the deferred gift annuity and experienced the benefits Allison mentioned. We received a generous charitable tax deduction that produced immediate tax savings. When we retire, we can look forward to the annuity payment each year that will make our retirement travel possible. On top of all of this, the deferred gift annuity makes a portion of the income payments we receive tax-free.