Barnabas Foundation Blog

Many parents assume they should create a will or trust that gives every child or grandchild the same amount, distributed in the same way. However… Estate plans based on equality often lead to unhelpful results, sometimes doing more harm than good.

The 1994 classic film Forrest Gump tells the story of a simple man with extraordinary insight. Throughout the movie, Forrest shares several profound truths, many of which begin with some variation of, “My mama said…”. In fact, Forrest quotes his mama 10 times, including the most famous instance: “My mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates.’” The ways in which Forrest views and experiences the world are primarily based on what he’s learned from his mama. For good or for bad, the same is true for all of us.

In a recent conversation with one of our clients, he reminded me of these words of Solomon: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” and “There is no remembrance of former things.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2b, 11a, ESV) Much of what we chase after and accumulate is of little or no eternal value. Even in our estate planning, we can get so caught up in the transfer of assets that we miss seeing the bigger picture.

Philip joined the Barnabas Foundation team in June 2025, bringing extensive tax law and planning experience to the role. Previously, Philip was an attorney at the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel, representing the IRS in Tax Court and providing legal advice to the IRS. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at two large multinational companies providing tax counsel services.

Q: Can I give cryptocurrency to ministry? A: Absolutely! As cryptocurrency continues to grow as a mainstream investment, it’s an increasingly smart, tax-efficient way to give.

What if you could make a significant impact for God’s Kingdom while also receiving income payments for life? It sounds almost too good to be true—but with a life income gift, it’s possible!

Old MacDonald had a farm – but now he’s ready to make a change. Rather than selling it all and facing a hefty tax bill, he’d like to donate his land, commodities and equipment to ministry. Why? Because Farmer MacDonald knows he can save taxes AND have tremendous Kingdom impact!

The small-but-mighty book of Haggai begins like a therapist’s intervention. Looking into his clients’ … errrr, I mean the Hebrews’… eyes, Haggai’s questions unveiled the true issue at play. “And how does that make you feel?” he questioned—albeit in ancient terminology.