FORM CRS & ADV 2A
MEET WITH AN ADVISOR
Budgeting Advice

Don’t Let Your Heartstrings Control Your Purse Strings

By
Jeff Motske, CFP®
December 7, 2018
Share on:

Giving to charitable causes can be a very emotional thing. You’re supporting something near to your heart, possibly with a deep personal connection. However, if you’re not mindful, it is possible to give at the expense of yourself. Be sure you don’t let your heartstrings control your purse strings.

Forethought and planning should extend over all your financial decisions, including charitable giving. For a variety of reasons, many don’t follow a plan. Some give whatever’s left in their budget, perhaps not as much as they’d like or tempting them to give more than they can afford. Others give at the end of the year for the tax break. Alternatively, perhaps charitable giving isn’t planned for at all, which allows one to be swayed by emotion when the right cause comes along. Suddenly, they can be committing based on what they feel rather than what’s best for their finances.

Once you decide to factor your charitable giving into your annual financial plan, you can start doing your research. Not only do you determine which causes you want to support, but you can also investigate various organizations that service that cause. There are many websites that evaluate charitable organizations to ensure that your financial contributions or going where you want. Additionally, having your charitable giving worked into your financial plan allows you to turn down other charitable requests graciously. Should you be approached, you can mention your annual giving plan and that you will consider them for the following year.

Being mindful about your charitable giving also gives you the opportunity to influence your children or loved ones on how to do the same. Your actions become the example to your values. While you needn’t share all the details, you can openly share how you formulated your plan and why. The more people who become aware of how to consciously create an annual giving plan, the more people are actively working towards their financial independence.

I don’t think it’s possible to take all emotion out of your connection to a charitable cause, and I don’t think you should. However, I will always be an advocate of folks proactively working towards their financial independence. The key to that is approaching your finances with reason and logic, relegating our emotions to the backseat and holding firm to your purse strings.

You may also like:

Investment Insights

Woburn Financial Advisors Reveal Strategies for Maximizing Your Investments

By Trilogy Financial
June 26, 2024

Introducing Financial Advisor Woburn

 

In Woburn, Massachusetts, financial advisors at Trilogy Financial Services, such as Tom Elkins, Dale Sarpard, and Mohammed Siddiqui, are guiding clients towards financial success with personalized investment strategies. Leveraging their collective expertise and local market understanding, these advisors offer unique insights into maximizing investments.

 

Understanding the Woburn Investment Landscape

 

The economic landscape of Woburn offers diverse investment opportunities. Advisors like Tom Elkins, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, emphasize the importance of understanding local market trends and how they can impact investment choices. With their finger on the pulse of Woburn's economy, these advisors tailor their strategies to leverage local strengths. Some of these Key Strategies and Insights from Trilogy Financial Advisors include:

  • Collaborative Strategy: Emphasizing a team-based approach, Trilogy Financial ensures clients benefit from diverse expertise and financial planning woburn.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: By pooling the knowledge of various advisors, the firm can offer more holistic financial plans.
  • Enhanced Understanding: This approach leads to a deeper comprehension of each client’s unique financial situation.
  • Complex Situation Management: The collaborative effort of the team allows for effective management of intricate financial scenarios.

 

Tailored Investment Strategies

 

Each investor's journey is distinct, and advisors at Trilogy Financial Services recognize this. Dale Sarpard, with his extensive experience, illustrates the importance of creating investment plans that align with individual goals and life stages. From retirement planning to wealth management, their strategies are as unique as their clients.

 

Tom Elkins' Approach:

  • Emphasis on understanding local market trends for informed investment decisions.
  • Advocacy for personalized financial planning tailored to individual goals.
  • Specialization in retirement planning and wealth management strategies.

 

 

 

 

Risk Management Techniques

 

Effective risk management is a cornerstone of successful investing. Mohammed Siddiqui, known for his client-focused approach, underscores the significance of a well-diversified portfolio. By balancing risk and return, these advisors help clients navigate market volatility with confidence.

 

Mohammed Siddiqui's Methodology:

  • Prioritizing client-focused risk management and portfolio diversification.
  • Adapting investment plans to changing market conditions and personal life changes.
  • Utilizing technology for real-time investment insights and efficient planning.

 

 

 

 

Future-Proofing Your Investments

 

Woburn's financial advisors are adept at adapting investment strategies to evolving market conditions and personal circumstances. They prioritize long-term sustainability, ensuring that clients' investments can withstand economic shifts and personal life changes.

 

Dale Sarpard's Expertise:

  • Extensive experience in developing comprehensive financial plans.
  • Focus on aligning investment strategies with life stage and financial objectives.
  • Expertise in navigating complex financial scenarios for diverse client profiles.

 

 

 

 

Leveraging Technology for Investment Success

 

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in investment management. Trilogy Financial Services utilizes advanced tools and platforms to provide clients with real-time insights and streamlined financial planning processes.

 

Conclusion

The advisors at Trilogy Financial Services in Woburn are committed to guiding clients through the complexities of investing. With personalized strategies, expert risk management, and sophisticated technology, they are equipped to help you achieve your financial goals. For those seeking to maximize their investments, consulting with these local experts is an invaluable step towards financial prosperity.

 

Ready to Amplify Your Wealth today?

 

If you're ready to elevate your financial planning with our professional team, we invite you to schedule a meeting with us. At Trilogy Financial Services, our advisors in Woburn are dedicated to crafting personalized financial strategies that align with your unique goals. Don't wait to start your journey towards financial success:

Schedule a Meeting: Reach out to us to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our financial professionals.

Give Us a Call: Prefer a quick conversation? Feel free to give us a call to discuss your financial needs and how we can assist. Call Us To Get Started. (844) 356-4934

Schedule a No-Strings-Attached Portfolio Review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards achieving financial security and growth. This way, you're not just dreaming of an ideal retirement but actively working towards making it a reality.

 

 

 

 

*There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Read more
Budgeting Advice

Creative Generosity

By
Jeff Motske, CFP®
November 9, 2018

I personally believe that one of the advantages of doing well financially is to be able to “give back” to causes that are near and dear to your heart. However, when we feel passionate about a cause, the emotional pull can tempt us to financially overextend ourselves. With some forethought, though, you can utilize creative measures that allow you to be generous without breaking the bank.

Your Time

Before you pull out your checkbook, perhaps consider getting your hands a little dirty. Whether it’s cleaning trash from the beach, working at a food pantry or assembling packages for our troops stationed far and wide, nonprofit organizations are powered by people. Even the simplest volunteer work can make a significant impact on an organization in need.

Your Talent

Some of us have specialized talents and skills that can be of value to a charitable organization. If you have an accounting background, perhaps you can offer your services to a nonprofit close to your heart. If you run a landscaping company, you can choose to donate your services to your alma mater. Such specialized services can be of great value to an organization and not make much of a dent in your personal finances.

Your Treasure

Just as there are different types of non-profit or charitable organizations, there are also different ways to financially contribute to them. Many of us are familiar with direct contributions, donations that may qualify to be deducted from your income tax. You could also contribute via donor-advised funds, which allows you to make charitable contributions to specially designated funds at a specific charity, receive a tax benefit from the contribution and recommend grants to be funded by the charitable fund account. Another option is to donate appreciated stock or appreciated real estate, which provides a significant tax deduction. Some choose to leave a charitable donation after they pass via a trust  These gifts in trust can be tricky, so it is advisable to meet with a professional to avoid any issues. Additionally, there are those who prefer to utilize charitable gift annuities, which allows an individual to receive a fixed income after donating money, securities or real estate.

There are as many worthy charitable organizations as there are stars in the sky. When your funds won’t allow you to do more, there are always other ways to “give”. Doing so thoughtfully and creatively can ensure that everyone benefits.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

  1. https://www.nptrust.org/what-is-a-donor-advised-fund
Read more

Get Started on Your Financial Life Plan Today