Have your cake and eat it too: A dual approach to charitable giving

The change of seasons is often an opportunity to catch our breath and reassess. We’re done with taxes, really done with cold weather (hopefully), and we feel a sense of renewal as our attention turns to gardening and other growth-oriented, warm-weather pursuits. And many of us are wondering how in the world it can already […]
Hidden no more: Designated funds and Field-of-Interest funds

Most attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors are well-aware of donor-advised funds and the reasons behind their popularity. Especially when a donor-advised fund is established at the FM Area Foundation, this vehicle is an excellent way for your clients to organize their charitable giving and get even more connected to the causes they care about. Enter […]
Client conversations: Why your 2023 agenda must include charitable giving

No doubt, your news feed includes far more
It’s not too early for spring cleaning: Make this the year to help clients get organized

If you’re already dreading asking your clients to pull together their receipts and other documents for 2022 tax filings, this may be a good time to take proactive steps to avoid being in this same spot next year. When it comes to charitable giving, your clients may find that organizing their giving through one or […]
So long, 2022: Important charitable tax planning reminders as the year winds down

Now is the time to share important reminders with your clients about year-end gifts. Time is indeed of the essence! Gifts of appreciated stock still shine Giving in a roller coaster market may continue to be a
Five of 2022’s most-asked questions about Qualified Charitable Distributions

Qualified Charitable Distributions, or “QCDs,” are becoming a very popular financial and charitable planning tool. At the same time, QCDs are growing as the source of more and more confusion. Here are answers to the questions we’ve been asked most frequently this year by both advisors and donors. Be on the lookout for these and […]
Hanging in there: Charitable giving in a challenging economy

Earlier this year, Bankrate and Psych Central released the
Highly-appreciated stock: If your client missed the ideal window, it’s still not too late to support charity

During a routine check-in meeting, your client casually mentions that the client’s employer, a local company, was just acquired. The client and dozens of fellow employee shareholders are now flush with cash. “I’d like to use some of the money to give to charity,” the client tells you. “Let’s talk about a family fund at […]
The “i’s” have it: Two key topics for client meetings

Inflation, interest rates, income tax, and the IRS are ever-present topics during discussions with your clients. Right now, there’s a lot to talk about, especially related to charitable giving. Let’s look at two examples of hot topics that may take a front seat in your client conversations this fall as you are helping your […]
Bunching, long-term appreciated assets, and the fruits of helping younger clients plan their charitable giving

Developing a thorough estate plan isn’t important only for Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. Millennials, who now make up nearly a quarter of the population in the United States, may prove to be more enthusiastic planners than their parents and grandparents, according to the