I hear you too David. Interestingly, the research shows that as well as wanting to be asked, clients want to be asked early in the relationship. So, maybe we need to worry less about treading carefully on these issues, after all, our clients can see the issues of the world, same as we do and my bet is they would like to do something to make the world spin a little bit ‘better’….
A really interesting topic. The word 'philanthropy' has become quite disingenuous + a bit of a turn off, it's too lofty and exclusive-sounding for me. And if I was to say I want to be philanthropic I'd worry it suggests I have hundreds of millions to bestow. If only! In reality I'd rather give away 100 GBP ten times a year to a cause where I can have an immediate impact/relief, than give a thousand a year to a large charity. 'Grassroots giving' - the new philanthropy?
So another interesting topic. I see giving as one of the central pillars of living (risk of being seen as not judgy but judgemental) - but any zoom out on life will see the gross imbalance of haves and have nots. At minimum we should all give. My guiding principles are religious - in Judaism we are mandated to give 10% of our earnings to charity, not a specific amount but a slice. I like this model and try to live by it. We are not the only religion to encourage such a practice and here the good society has lessons to learn. But I am uncomfortable being 'sold' giving even when I know that this is necessary for charities... as ever a fine balance. Another point is that however uncomfortable being asked might be it is a blessing to be able to give and really difficult when you need to ask for help..
Susan Thank you for sharing your thoughts, actions and beautifully observed nuance around the ‘gift’ of being able to give and an appreciation of the difficulty that exists in asking for help. I can see how the guiding principles from Judaism (and other religions) can be instructive in giving decisions. Thank you 🙏🏼
I hear your point about not wanting to appear ‘judgy’ as a planner by bringing it up - particularly in the early innings of a relationship.
I would never want to feel someone compelled to do something based on a topic that I bring up - see also ‘ethical’ investing.
Nonetheless, we all have clients with an excess of capital who have no hope of spending it. Giving in some form is the only answer.
I hear you too David. Interestingly, the research shows that as well as wanting to be asked, clients want to be asked early in the relationship. So, maybe we need to worry less about treading carefully on these issues, after all, our clients can see the issues of the world, same as we do and my bet is they would like to do something to make the world spin a little bit ‘better’….
A really interesting topic. The word 'philanthropy' has become quite disingenuous + a bit of a turn off, it's too lofty and exclusive-sounding for me. And if I was to say I want to be philanthropic I'd worry it suggests I have hundreds of millions to bestow. If only! In reality I'd rather give away 100 GBP ten times a year to a cause where I can have an immediate impact/relief, than give a thousand a year to a large charity. 'Grassroots giving' - the new philanthropy?
So another interesting topic. I see giving as one of the central pillars of living (risk of being seen as not judgy but judgemental) - but any zoom out on life will see the gross imbalance of haves and have nots. At minimum we should all give. My guiding principles are religious - in Judaism we are mandated to give 10% of our earnings to charity, not a specific amount but a slice. I like this model and try to live by it. We are not the only religion to encourage such a practice and here the good society has lessons to learn. But I am uncomfortable being 'sold' giving even when I know that this is necessary for charities... as ever a fine balance. Another point is that however uncomfortable being asked might be it is a blessing to be able to give and really difficult when you need to ask for help..
Susan Thank you for sharing your thoughts, actions and beautifully observed nuance around the ‘gift’ of being able to give and an appreciation of the difficulty that exists in asking for help. I can see how the guiding principles from Judaism (and other religions) can be instructive in giving decisions. Thank you 🙏🏼