17 years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn.
After nine long months and several routine doctor’s visits, Ellen and I were finally on our way to the hospital. Our third child, a boy, was on his way!
Everything seemed perfect. But as the delivery unfolded, it was more difficult than with our first two children. Holding our beautiful baby boy under the heat lamp, I sensed something was wrong.
The doctors came in, smiled, and said, “What a beautiful little boy.” But the atmosphere felt off. Over the next few minutes, doctors and nurses quietly entered the room, observing Jachin.
Something wasn’t right. I felt it in my gut—our lives were about to change forever.
Make-a-Wish Foundation - Madison, WI
Jachin was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. At 10 weeks old, he began having debilitating seizures that led to weeks of hospitalization. I couldn’t work because I needed to be home with our two other children, and we were in for a battle for Jachin’s life.
So we adapted. I changed careers, and we adjusted to our new normal. Someone suggested we look into the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. It made me feel guilty, but we didn’t know how much longer we’d have with Jachin. We applied for a wish, and it was granted.
Jachin wanted to see Mickey Mouse on a big boat! So, we set out on this adventure together!
Here’s how you can create lifelong memories
On that trip, we experienced something magical. Our entire family spent eight days and seven nights together on a Disney cruise, all expenses paid.
I realized no amount of money could buy this experience. Inspired, we started the Jake Foundation to sponsor wishes. Over the next seven years, we directed funds to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and sponsored nine wishes for local kids. It remains one of the greatest blessings of our lives.
Then, I started seeing the power of charitable giving in my clients’ lives.
Many are charitable, supporting churches, medical causes, the Red Cross, or Make-A-Wish.
People love to help others in need. I help them realize the tax benefits of charitable giving and discuss the deep fulfillment it brings. Wealth provides an opportunity to leave a lasting, eternal legacy. Helping people use their financial blessings to make a long-term impact is a passion of mine.
Here’s how you can create lifelong memories for families, year after year, for eternity:
- The average cost to fund a once-in-a-lifetime wish is $8,000.
- A $160,000 cash investment would sponsor a wish for 20 years.
So imagine the impact of a $160,000 investment through creative planning with an advisor, MAJOR!
There are financial strategies and tax benefits to setting up:
- Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
- Charitable remainder trusts,
- or even a Family Foundation.
These options allow our children or other beneficiaries to direct funds to make a significant difference.
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), you can find financial and personal advantages in these options when planning your legacy.
At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, we are dedicated to fulfillment planning. Leaving a charitable legacy isn’t for everyone, but if it’s something you want to consider, we’ll ensure you know your options. We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you find fulfillment in this world, now and eternally.
The Disney Cruise experience is an indelible memory for our family. The wishes we sponsored have changed our lives forever.
At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, we are dedicated to fulfillment planning.
As we shape, strengthen, and fortify our clients’ financial lives, we would love to help you explore how you could leave a lasting, eternal legacy impacting the people and organizations that matter most to you.
