Gifts That Pay You Income
Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) are a great way to make a lasting difference for ministries while receiving tax-favorable income for you, your spouse and your children. Many supporters prefer charitable gift annuities because of their attractive payout rates and their significant impact.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) are a great way to make a lasting difference for ministries while receiving tax-favorable income for you, your spouse and your children. Many supporters prefer charitable gift annuities because of their attractive payout rates and their significant impact.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Income for life for you and your family while reducing your taxes. By using assets or cash to fund the trust, you receive income and an income tax credit the year in which you transfer your assets. The remaining portion of the trust, after all payments have been made, comes to you.
Wills vs. Trusts in Arizona: Choosing the Right Path for Your Legacy
At GIS, we view this choice through the lens of Wealth Stewardship. It’s not just about who gets your "stuff"—it’s about protecting your family from unnecessary legal hurdles and taxes. When you begin your estate planning journey in Arizona, the first crossroad you’ll encounter is the choice between a Last Will and Testament and a Revocable Living Trust. Both documents allow you to dictate who receives your assets, but they function very differently when it comes to cost, privacy, and the court system. Once you’ve chosen a revocable living trust, the next step is making sure it actually works in real life. We walk through that process in Trust Funding: Ensuring Your Estate Avoids Arizona Probate.
The Arizona Will: Simple, but Subject to Probate
A Will is a legal document that speaks only after you pass away. It is often the starting point for many families because it is straightforward to create.
Pros of a Will:
Lower Upfront Cost: Generally less expensive to draft than a trust.
Guardianship: A Will is the primary place where you legally nominate guardians for your minor children. We talk more about that decision in Who Would Raise Your Children? Nominating a Guardian in Arizona
Cons of a Will:
The Probate Requirement: In Arizona, a Will essentially acts as a letter to the probate judge. It must go through the court process to be validated and executed.
Public Record: Once filed for probate, your Will becomes a public document. Anyone can see your assets and who you chose to inherit them.
The Revocable Living Trust: The Private, Probate-Free Alternative
A Trust is a "living" entity that you own and control during your lifetime. Unlike a Will, it remains active if you become incapacitated and continues to function seamlessly after you pass away.
Pros of a Trust:
Probate Avoidance: Assets held in a properly funded trust skip the probate court entirely, saving your heirs months of delay and thousands in legal fees.
Privacy: Trust administration is a private contract. Your neighbors and the public never see the details of your estate.
Incapacity Planning: If you are unable to manage your affairs due to illness, your successor trustee can step in immediately without a court-ordered conservatorship.
Cons of a Trust:
Higher Initial Setup: Requires more detailed legal work upfront and the "funding" process (re-titling your assets).
The 2026 "Small Estate" Update: Does Your Estate Qualify?
Arizona law recently changed to make things easier for smaller estates. As of late 2025, the thresholds for skipping formal probate via a "Small Estate Affidavit" have increased significantly:
Real Estate: Up to $300,000 in equity.
Personal Property: Up to $200,000.
If your total assets in Arizona exceed these amounts, a Will guarantees a trip to probate court. For most homeowners in Tucson and Sahuarita, a Trust is now the most practical way to stay below these court-mandated triggers.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Arizona Will | Revocable Living Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | Only after death | Immediately upon signing |
| Probate | Required for estates over limits | Avoids probate entirely |
| Privacy | Public Record | Completely Private |
| Incapacity | No protection | Built-in protection |
Which One Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your specific goals, the complexity of your assets, and your desire for privacy. While a Will is a foundational tool, a Trust is often the preferred "stewardship" vehicle for families looking to simplify the transition of wealth to the next generation. If your situation involves business interests, complex assets, or multiple advisors, coordinating your legal and tax teams can be just as important as choosing between a will and a trust. Our article on Technical Advocacy: Coordinating Legal & Tax Teams explains how we help keep everyone working from the same plan.
Estate Planning Strategies For Tucson Business Owners and Families
Move from Complexity to Clear Thinking
Important financial decisions deserve thoughtful review and experienced co-ordination. Request a private conversation to discuss your goals.
Global Investment Strategies provides educational planning concepts and works alongside your qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals. We serve the greater Tucson community, including Oro Valley, Catalina Foothills, Marana, and surrounding areas.| Copyright 2026. Global Investment Strategies. Tucson, Arizona. All Rights Reserved.