A Fresh Start for the New Year: Building a Charitable Giving Plan That Lasts
The start of a new year brings a sense of renewal. For many retirees, it’s a time to reset priorities, revisit goals, and think intentionally about how they want to make an impact — financially and personally.
Charitable giving is often part of that picture. Rather than approaching it one gift at a time, the new year is an ideal moment to build a thoughtful giving plan that aligns with your values and your long-term financial strategy.
Why a Charitable Plan Matters
Without a plan, giving often becomes reactive — tied to last-minute deadlines or emotional decisions. A structured approach allows you to:
Give consistently to the causes you care about
Coordinate giving with taxes and income planning
Avoid missed opportunities or costly mistakes
A giving plan doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be intentional.
Start With the Right Tools
As you look ahead, consider which tools may play a role in your giving strategy:
QCDs for tax-efficient IRA giving
Appreciated securities to avoid capital gains
Donor-advised funds for flexibility and family involvement
Legacy tools like CRTs for long-term impact
Not every tool is right for every situation — the goal is choosing what fits your picture.
Align Giving With the Bigger Picture
Charitable decisions don’t exist in isolation. They interact with:
Required Minimum Distributions
Medicare premiums
Tax brackets
Legacy and estate planning
When these pieces work together, generosity becomes both sustainable and efficient.
A Meaningful Way to Begin the Year
The new year offers a chance to be proactive instead of reactive. With a clear plan, charitable giving becomes something you can feel confident about — knowing it reflects both your heart and your financial goals.
