NAVIGATOR 18 | How Do I Give Well - Today and When I'm Gone?

A comprehensive guide to generosity that is intentional, joyful, and aligned with your values — in life and beyond it.

MEET JAN

For years, generosity showed up reactively. A check at a fundraiser. Support when asked. Occasional gifts that felt right in the moment. Jan was generous — but she felt scattered. Some gifts brought joy. Others brought quiet resentment. Some felt meaningful. Others felt obligatory.

At the same time, as she reviewed her estate plan, another question surfaced: If generosity mattered this much to her…why was most of it scheduled to happen only after she was gone?

She wanted to see the impact. She wanted her family to understand why she gave. She wanted generosity to feel aligned — not exhausting. The real question wasn’t whether to give. It was deeper and more thoughtful: “How do I design my giving so it reflects who I am — both while I’m living and after I’m gone?”

 “How do I design my giving so it reflects who I am — both while I’m living and after I’m gone?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS:

A values-first guide to structuring generosity across your lifetime — helping you give intentionally today, plan wisely for giving at death, and align both with your values, family, and estate plan.

This Navigator is about meaning before mechanics.

A CHECKLIST: To Help You Ask The Right Questions.

Motivation & Values

☐   Why do I feel called to give?

☐   What life experiences shaped my generosity?

☐   What problems or needs move me most?

☐   Does giving energize me - or drain me?

Giving While Living

☐   Do I have an annual giving plan - or do I react to requests?

☐   Do I know how much I can give comfortably each year?

☐   Does my giving fit within my long-term financial plan?

☐   Am I giving from abundance — not pressure?

Boundaries & Sustainability

☐   Do I feel free to say no when needed?

☐   Do I have a process for responding to requests?

☐   Am I consistent rather than sporadic?

Impact & Focus

☐   Am I giving deeply rather than too broadly?

☐   Do I understand the impact of my giving?

☐   Would I give differently if no one knew?

Family & Communication

☐   Do I want my family involved in giving decisions?

☐   Have I explained why certain causes matter to me?

☐   Is giving a teaching tool rather than a point of tension?

Structure & Vehicles

☐   Do I understand donor-advised funds (DAFs)?

☐   Should I give directly, through a DAF, or via my estate?

☐  Have I balanced tax efficiency with simplicity?

Giving at Death (Legacy Giving)

☐   Is giving intentionally reflected in my estate plan?

☐   Have I decided what portion of my estate is for giving?

☐   Will beneficiaries understand my charitable intentions?

Ethical Will Integration

☐  Have I explained my giving values in my Ethical Will?

☐  Does my Ethical Will emphasize meaning over control?

Alignment & Review

☐  Does my giving reflect who I am today?

☐  Would I feel proud of this giving plan in 10 years?

☐  Does my generosity strengthen joy and clarity rather than guilt?

ACTION PLAN

1. Clarify your personal giving values

2. Write a one-paragraph giving mission statement

3. Decide how much to give annually during life

4. Choose appropriate giving vehicles (direct, DAF, estate)

5. Separate generosity from guilt

6. Decide what to give now vs. later

7. Integrate giving intentionally into your estate plan

8. Explain your giving philosophy in your Ethical Will

9. Review and refine giving as life evolves

YOUR NEXT STEPS 

Today

• Write down three causes or needs that move you emotionally.

This Month

• Decide how much you want to give annually, comfortably.

• Draft a short giving mission statement.

• Review whether a donor-advised fund fits your goals.

This Year

• Integrate giving intentionally into your estate plan.

• Share your giving values with your family (if appropriate).

• Revisit giving annually as priorities evolve.

Schedule a Conversation: Meet with your Gentian team to align giving — today and at death — with your financial plan, estate plan, and personal values, so generosity becomes a source of joy rather than obligation.

N18_Giving How Do I Give Well.pdf

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gentian@raymondjames.com | 12740 N River Road, Mequon Wi, 53092 | PH 262-518-7575

Any opinions are those of Gentian Financial and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. and Gentian Financial Inc. Gentian Financial, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Donor Advised Funds: Donors are urged to consult their attorneys, accountants or tax advisors with respect to questions relating to the deductibility of various types of contributions to a Donor-Advised Fund for federal and state tax purposes.