If you have a will, then you understand the need for sound financial planning. But did you know that including Prevent Child Abuse Georgia in your will can be a lasting -- and financially astute -- way to make a gift.

The will (or bequest) is the most basic type of planned gift. It is a revocable gift, and because it doesn't have an immediate cost to the donor other than for the preparation of the will, it appeals to donors of all financial levels.

Bequests can take several forms. A specific bequest is a gift of something designated by the donor, such as an amount of money, a security, or a piece of real estate. The suggested legal language for a specific bequest is -- "I leave {dollar amount} to Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, 1720 Peachtree Street, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309, to be used for general purposes."

A specific bequest can also be a percentage of an estate rather than a specific dollar amount. In that case suggested language is -- "I give and bequeath to Prevent Child Abuse Georgia the sum of __ percentage of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used for general purposes."

A residual bequest is a gift made from what is left in an estate after all other bequests have been made. For a residual bequest the suggested language is -- "All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real and personal, I give, devise and bequeath to PCA Georgia, 1720 Peachtree Street, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309, to be used for general purposes."

A contingent bequest takes effect only when other bequests cannot be fulfilled for some reason.

For more information, call 404-870-6565.