One of the most rewarding things we can do in life involves “giving back”, which can take many forms, including time, goods, and money. There are a number of reasons to include charitable giving in your financial plan.
Charitable giving is not only personally gratifying, but you may derive valuable tax benefits as well, benefits which can be maximized through Financial Planning. (Although you can generally deduct qualified donations that total up to 50% of your adjusted gross income, we strongly recommend a consultation with your tax advisor to determine the donation limits applicable to your specific situation.)
A “giving plan” within your financial plan will allow you to leverage your financial resources for a greater good. Having a plan for giving, including developing and utilizing a budget, can help determine how much you can afford to give, and the optimal time to give, as well as to whom to give. Planning saves time in the long run and can help focus your giving effectively. When you receive a request to donate that falls outside your giving plan, it is easier to say no.
Through giving, you can choose causes that align with your values, which provides you with an opportunity to have a meaningful and personally satisfying social impact. It also provides you with a new way of initiating intimate and positive discussions within your family about what it means to have wealth and be in a position to share it.
Philanthropy is a process consistent with building rich, meaningful, trusted relationships. Giving is a journey, not a destination.
Please join us on March 20, 2013 from 2 to 2:30 p.m. for The Women’s Roundtable’s first webinar, How to Create and Initiate a Giving Plan, with host Marivic Hammond, Sr. Investment Advisor, and guest expert on Women and Philanthropy, Melanie Hamburger, Founder and Principal of Catalytic Women (www.catalyticwomen.com). You can reserve your spot now by registering at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/987741450.