A new tax law passed in 2010 reinstated the option allowing people 70 ½ and older to make tax-free transfers from their IRA through Dec. 31, 2011, provided that the money is transferred directly to a qualified charitable organization from the IRA. Just e-mail us and we'll be happy to give you more information about this new charitable incentive.

Donors younger than 70½ can make a withdrawal from their IRA or other type of retirement plan, pay income tax on the withdrawal and donate the proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. These gifts can be made outright or can fund a life-income gift and will generate a charitable deduction for the donor.