North Georgia United Methodist - Multiplying Financial Resources for Mission and Ministry

After graduating from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, Charles M. Edwards III spent the next 35 years in the investment banking business. He is a man who understands the value of money and the importance of being a good steward of God’s resources.

Two years after his retirement, Charlie and his wife, Janice, established a charitable remainder unitrust with the North Georgia United Methodist Foundation. "A unitrust is a unique way to create additional income and wonderful tax benefits while at the same time doing something for a charitable organization which is meaningful to you,” Charlie said.

Using very low basis common stock, which yielded dividends of less than one percent, the Edwards bypassed capital gains, significantly increased their retirement income and received a charitable income tax deduction. “The Foundation did all the documentation,” Charlie said. “It was simple and clean-cut.”

It comes as no surprise that the Edwards chose Mt. Bethel UMC in Marietta as the beneficiary of the unitrust. When Charlie isn’t chairing the endowment committee or
attending an administrative council meeting, you may find him mentoring disadvantaged
boys, working to benefit Georgia’s foster children, serving as a Stephen Minister, or 
volunteering at Mt. Bethel’s Older Adult Center.

“Janice and I love Mt. Bethel. It is an outward-looking, missions-oriented church that believes its purpose is to serve God,” Charlie said. “We feel blessed that we were   
able to make a gift that will benefit our church.”