Blog
Outdated CRT
We have recently found that donors who established Charitable Remainder Trusts years ago are in much different personal financial situations today than when they established the trusts. As a result, a revisit of the current operation of the trust to determine if it...
Recasting Donor Gifts
Several years ago a friend came to see me about his pending retirement. He had been the top sales person in his firm and the company was being sold. As he had no equity in the business, he would have to rely on the company provided retirement plan as well as his...
Need Some Volunteers?
I suggest that you look in your donor data base. See if you can identify those seniors who have been consistent donors and have now reduced their annual giving. I have encountered donors in this situation, who concerned with their late in life financial situation, are...
A Post Pandemic Christmas
I have some personal observations regarding the current state of affairs that surround me that might be helpful to you as you plan for 2022. Daily traffic, restaurants, travel, in person meetings, business interactions, personal savings, stock prices, and inflation...
Using Net Worth
Much of fundraising and gift planning is focused on gifts from income earned on the part of the donor. Given the increase in asset values during the past several decades, as well as the increase of those moving into the higher wealth categories, a renewed focus on...
Time Well Spent
One of the benefits of working in wealth management for 50 years has been the impact clients have made on the causes and organizations that they care about. Most have shared time, talents, and treasure resulting in improving the state of the world in various ways....
Social Capital
Social Capital is a term that may have different meanings for different people. A common definition is that it is a set of shared values that allows individuals to work together to effectively achieve a common purpose. In the context of financial planning, it has...
The Power of Planning
I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a 50 year career in wealth management. During the early years, it was necessary to stay motivated in the fact the benefits would be long term and that the results of our work would be realized in the future, much more than in the...
Giving in 2020
According to the Wall Street Journal, 2020 was a banner year for charitable giving. Much of this increase was Covid relief related as individuals found new and innovative ways to help. My experience with clients was similar as many saw a greater need and responded. I...
Can You Adapt?
I believe that the challenge offered by 2020 has been the ability to adapt to a severely changing environment. I certainly don’t expect the world to stand still, but the events related to the pandemic was on few radar screens. I do recall that Bill Gates mentioned a...