Traveling the World, and Staying Close to Scripps

Back in 1989 the Los Angeles Times published a story about Jennifer Jackson Werner '81 and her husband, Derek. The article focused on the couple's decision to leave behind well-paying jobs and a Newport Beach home for a stint as linguists in the US Army.

Surprising? Perhaps only at first glance. This initial decision turned into a career that provided them with the opportunity to live abroad, immerse themselves in different cultures, retire early, and spend the last 3-plus years exploring the world. To date, they have traveled in more than 160 countries on all seven continents.

The same knack for thoughtful planning also led the couple to create several deferred charitable gift annuities with Scripps College.

"We were inspired to create our planned gifts with Scripps College when we learned that there was a mechanism that would benefit Scripps, and also help set ourselves up for retirement," Jennie explained during a stop on their most recent adventure. "Establishing a charitable deferred annuity for Scripps allowed us to give generously, knowing that we would have a nice supplement to our retirement income when that time came."

By deferring the income from their charitable annuities, Jennie and Derek were able to maximize the return to both themselves and to Scripps.

"We started contributing back when we were in our 40s, and now we see that the benefit to us is only a few years away. It is nice knowing that this money will ultimately go to such a positive use."

Planned gifts—including charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts—can be a tax-wise means to create retirement income while at the same time supporting your most cherished causes and institutions.

"Our desire is that our gifts will allow Scripps to continue providing top-notch education to women so that they can lead the way forward with confidence, courage, and hope!"

Interested in learning if a charitable gift annuity might fit in your financial itinerary? Please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (909) 621-8400 or giftplanning@scrippscollege.edu for a no-cost illustration.