10 Ways to Maximize Your End-of-Year Giving

Before you click that link or mail that check this season, consider these 10 ways to potentially maximize your charitable giving.

1. Discuss your philanthropic values and goals with your family (or even friends) as a way to build a legacy.
2. 50/30/20 Rule: 50% to support causes you’re most passionate about, 30% to support causes you are loyal too or have given to in the past, and 20% to unplanned requests throughout the year.
3. Connect with a qualified CPA or tax accountant to take advantage of any tax code changes that may allow you to maximize benefits or otherwise influence your ability to give.
4. Consider large vs. small, local vs. national/international charities.
5. Reach out to your local community foundations as they often employ charitable giving experts that you can get ideas and strategies from.
6. Update your estate plan with an attorney you trust. You may have the opportunity to give throughout your lifetime or after through estate planning opportunities.Free Estate Planning Consultations are available at Godbey Law by calling 513-241-6650.
7. Need ideas? Unsure where to give? Ask around. Often people are very happy to tell you about a charity or organization they are passionate about. You may be inspired.
8. You can give other than dollars; volunteer, lend your professional expertise, or simply be an advocate for the charities of your choice.
9. Have you considered a Donor Advised Fund? These funds often give you the advantage of upfront deductions with the option to gift dollars over time.
10. Visit websites such as GiveWell, Guidestar or Charity Navigator. These sites allow you to review vetting information and often give you insight into public filings and IRS information such as Form 990.

Did you know that Tuesday, November 27, 2018 is a Global Day of Giving?
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community. We’ve created a directory to help you find organizations, charities, events and more in your own community. Learn more at https://www.givingtuesday.org/

Prepare for the Future and Protect Your Loved Ones

At Godbey Law, we help our clients gain peace of mind by preparing for the future and setting up important protections for their loved ones. We are highly strategic and thorough in developing plans that will enable you to distribute your assets, prevent family conflicts, avoid taxes and make sure that your choices about medical treatment are honored. A good estate plan can include:

• Creating or updating a will to decide how your assets will be distributed
• A financial power of attorney that allows a trusted person to take care of your important financial matters
• A living will or health care power of attorney that gives specific direction about the medical care you want or do not want
• A trust that will serve to provide for family or charitable needs and help you avoid taxes
• Business succession planning that will protect your commercial interests
• Estate planning tools to make sure your property goes to the correct person or people
• Advanced health directives

Many people tend to have many questions regarding estate planning, such questions include:

• Do I need a lawyer to prepare a will?
• Do I need a trust?
• How do I avoid estate taxes?
• How do I avoid probate?

Contact a Cincinnati Estate Planning Lawyer for Advice

If you are unsure where to begin, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who can review your situation and advise you regarding your options. The attorneys of Godbey Law can help you develop or fine-tune a customized estate plan that will protect your family, safeguard your assets and provide important tax protections.

Call Today: Serving People in Ohio and Kentucky

Please call our office at 513-241-6650 for a free initial consultation. You may also contact us online.

Godbey Law does not provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified CPA or experienced tax accountant.