For Mike Olinger, “all the world’s a stage” is more than a line from Shakespeare. It applies to conversations he has with prospects and clients about charitable planning.
“It’s important to talk about it to everyone because you never know who will hear you,” he says. “Always bring it up.”
Mike and his business partner (and cousin) Jeff Olinger gave a presentation including an overview of Thrivent Charitable at a local senior living community. A gentleman approached them and suggested they meet with his friend Eloise.
When Mike spoke with Eloise, they discovered a shared love for theatre. Mike is an active performer in his local community theater, and his new client has given tours of her family’s century-old farmstead by acting out the roles of her family’s descendants and wearing historical costumes. Eloise has even attended a couple of Mike’s recent performances and always insists on a photo together after the show.
Those initial conversations blossomed into discussions about
Eloise says, “Gift annuities are a win-win. I’m able to get a tax deduction, and I can share the income I receive with even more charities.”
Authentic connections with clients pay off for Mike. “I make time for relationships because it almost always leads to more business,” he says. “Eloise is speaking highly of Thrivent Charitable, and she wants to use additional gift annuities to benefit even more charities.”
Introducing Thrivent Charitable
Mike and his partners are adamant about introducing charitable planning during group presentations and one-on-one conversations.
“We explain what makes us different by mentioning the idea that wealth transfer can be more than distributing assets to family,” Mike says. “Most folks have more than one doctor or other specialists, so to have more than one financial advisor, including one who specializes in charitable planning, makes a lot of sense.”
How gift annuities work
Your client gives cash or securities to Thrivent Charitable and receives a lifelong stream of income. Immediate annuities and several deferral options are available. Ongoing quarterly payments remain constant, regardless of investment performance. At death, the remaining assets are directed to a
Contact our Charitable Giving Services team to discuss unique solutions for your clients.
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You can request customized illustrations or use our online gift calculator at our website:
This donor’s experience may not be the same as other donors and does not indicate future performance or success. Payout rates, charitable deductions and other benefits vary based on a number of factors.