Types of Bequest Gifts

Several types of bequests are possible: 

• General, for a certain dollar amount — “the sum of $20,000” 
• Specific, a particular asset — “100 shares of ABC stock” 
• Residual, once other assets have been distributed — “fifty percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate” 
• Contingent, only under certain conditions — “in the event my spouse does not survive me”  

In addition, your bequest can be used where the need is greatest, or you can support a particular program of interest.