Why wait?
It’s a question Carl Etzler asks clients who are considering
Retaining control is one advantage to taking action before QCD qualifying age. The veteran financial advisor says, “The IRS stipulates you can’t change your mind about beneficiaries once you begin using those dollars for premiums, so this gives clients time to change their minds.”
Another advantage of not waiting involves potential health risks. “Their charitable plan could be derailed by their health later on,” he says.
Clients without children may be open to increasing the impact of gifts to charity. “Life insurance allows their legacy to continue well into the future,” Carl says.
For his client, Pat, charitable life insurance was an easy decision to leave a legacy with charities she already supports. She plans to use QCDs for premiums when she’s eligible in a few years.
She says, “Carl gave me the opportunity to think about what I can do to help others and I’m not going to wait.”
No matter clients’ circumstances, it’s common for them to fear running out of money. Carl uses planning software Money Guide Pro to illustrate what their assets could be worth in the future.
He says, “Their biggest asset is qualified money, so when I project their required minimum distributions (RMDs), using
When it comes to charitable planning, Carl doesn’t wait either. “It doesn’t matter their age, I plant the seed before they approach QCD discussion age,” he says. “I tell them their only homework is deciding which charities they want to make a bigger impact. It’s fun!”
How charitable life insurance works
Clients name Thrivent Charitable the primary beneficiary and owner of either a new or existing life insurance contract. Carl’s clients like the benefits of potential dividends with whole life. “It means additional insurance so they can leave more to charity,” he says.
When your client is eligible for QCDs, they may be used to pay premiums on gifts of life insurance with proceeds directed to the non-advised fund upon the insured's death.
Tax law changes in 2026
Federal tax law changes taking effect in 2026 may have an impact on your clients’ charitable deductions. Taxpayers who itemize and deduct charitable contributions will be allowed to deduct cash contributions only to the extent they exceed 0.5% of their adjusted gross income.
Conversely, younger clients who may not itemize can deduct up to $1,000 in charitable contributions in 2026 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly).
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Connect with our Charitable Giving Services team at
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.
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.