“Receiving is the natural result of giving.” - The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann
The holidays are a busy time of year for many of us. Shops and websites advertise Black Friday deals, holiday decorations appear everywhere, and conversations turn to parties, travel plans, and menus. At the center of the holiday whirlwind, I think it is important to find a space and a time to be still, give thanks for our blessings, and think about what we can do to give back.
Giving, whether it is of time, talent, or treasure, is one of the most rewarding things we can do in our families, our communities, and the world we live in. The smallest gift can create an impact like that of the butterfly’s wing, as our good acts and good examples encourage those around us to give generously and live mindfully.
As a Private Wealth professional, I have the privilege of working with individuals who have a heightened ability to give back to the community in substantial and meaningful ways. When I talk to my clients about these gifts, their eyes light up; they are passionate about the causes they believe in. I have many clients who make an impact through gifting to faith-based organizations integral to their lives; a number who enthusiastically support the arts by giving to the symphony, ballet, opera, or theatre; and some who give back to educational scholarship foundations from which they benefited in their youth. Whether it is helping a client with the good stewardship of inherited wealth, or advising a self-made business owner who wants to create a charitable legacy, helping my clients embrace the joy of giving is one of the greatest pleasures of my work.
The season of giving also is a time for family gifting, both for benevolent reasons and for estate tax planning reasons. It is important to factor in tax consequences and implications to maximize the impact of both charitable and family gifting. First Business Bank's Private Wealth team published a Year-End Gifting Guide that discusses the tax issues relevant to charitable and family gifting. Read this valuable guide today and please let us know if your family needs trust, estate, or other Private Wealth financial guidance today.
