We have continued and adjusted our family giving rituals over the years, and I have learned a lot about how to do it right.
Financial skill is far from an inherited ability: it is learned. So, too, with charity. The drive to give (and the know-how to do so well) is often taught rather than genetic. A novel idea, then, is to begin the family charity tradition.
During the recent holiday season, an article in Reuters addressed this matter. When it comes to charity, to include beginning a family charity tradition, there should be no “seasonal” limitation. In other words, there is no time like the present.
Giving to charity, whether in modest gifts or in larger ones, can be a family activity and a lesson to your children with just a bit of foresight. For example, let your children choose where to give and, perhaps, teach them why you give as you do.
Just as important as why you give, consider teaching your children “how” to give. How do you give efficiently or to effect the greatest gain? How do you understand the financial decisions that go into process in the first place?
Of course, it’s bound to be a learning experience for you, too, and you might find that it’s a difficult one. For a bit of advice, check out the original article.
For more information and articles regarding estate planning and elder law issues, please visit our website and sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter.
Reference: Reuters (December 23, 2011) “How to create a family charity tradition”