Financial success and financial fulfillment aren’t always the same thing.
We’ve spent years working with families and business owners who built real wealth. More money doesn’t automatically bring more peace of mind. The deepest satisfaction comes from what that wealth makes possible: caring for family, supporting causes you believe in and creating opportunities for the next generation.
November invites us to reflect on what matters most. Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings, and Veterans Day reminds us to honor those who sacrificed so we could enjoy them.
Five Ways to Make Your Giving Go Further
1. Give appreciated investments instead of cash. Donating investments, like stocks, held more than a year can help you avoid capital gains tax on the growth while potentially earning a charitable deduction.
2. Consider a donor-advised fund. Make a permanent gift now, take a potential deduction this year and suggest which charities to support over time. It’s especially valuable in a high-income year or after selling a business.
3. Give directly from your IRA. If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) sends money straight to an eligible charity and can count toward your required minimum distribution without increasing your taxable income.
4. Know the new rules for 2026. Non-itemizers can now deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) in qualifying cash gifts to charities, not donor-advised funds. Itemizers face new limits, so coordinating your giving with your tax plan matters more than ever.
5. Don’t overlook family. Helping a child buy a first home or funding a grandchild’s 529 plan can be just as meaningful. In 2026, you can generally give up to $19,000 per person ($38,000 for married couples) without touching your lifetime gift tax exemption.
Most of these strategies must be completed by December 31st to count for 2026.
In the end, wealth isn’t about numbers. It’s about family, community and generosity.
As the holidays approach, ask yourself: Am I simply building more wealth, or am I making the most of what I’ve already built?
From our families to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving full of gratitude.
Brian and Jon help business owners and families make intentional decisions about their wealth. Through its affiliate, E-Wealth Partners Tax & Advisory, the firm also offers tax preparation, so the strategies in your financial plan carry through to your tax return, with both teams working toward the same objective.
E-Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Tax preparation is offered through E-Wealth Partners – Tax & Advisory, an affiliated, separate entity, under a separate engagement and fee. This article is for educational purposes only and is not investment, tax or legal advice. Tax rules are subject to change; consult a qualified professional about your situation.
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