Making the Complex Simple

You might have more money stashed away in the Social Security trust fund than anywhere else. In fact, what you put into Social Security very well might be your biggest asset and future source of retirement income.

When you think of retirement planning, you likely think about the financial aspect of it—whether you’ll have enough money, be able to pay for your healthcare expenses, and how much your housing will cost. But retirement has a huge emotional aspect. And generally, thinking about retirement doesn’t elicit positive feelings. USA Today recently reported that 61 percent of those surveyed are more afraid of retirement than they are of dying. There are a myriad of reasons this is the case—including fear of running out of money, fear of losing identity, and fear of being lonely.1

Philanthropy is not just about giving; it’s about giving wisely. As you contemplate your philanthropic strategy, understanding how to maximize both the impact of your giving and the associated tax benefits can help you pursue your goals while enhancing your financial plan.