Category Archives: Charitable Giving

An Open Letter to Warren Buffett and Quicken Loans – $1 Billion Women’s NCAA Bracket

Posted on by

0

Women face daunting health and socioeconomic problems across the globe.  Thanks to efforts of the Gates Foundation and The Giving Pledge, awareness of these issues is on the rise.  But it also hits close to home right here in the U.S.
Just 23 of the Fortune 500 companies have female CEO’s, and it doesn’t get much better with the next 500, just 23 there as well, for a total of 46 out of the top 1,000 U.S. companies being run by women.  This bleeds all the way up from the bottom, with 1/3 of women in the U.S. living in poverty, according to the recently released Shriver Report.  This is here at home in the U.S., a country that is a global leader and influencer.  Like you, Warren, I am a portfolio manager.  I have done well with my company, but I cannot do what you can do: shed light on this issue from the very top.   Please introduce a $1 Billion NCAA Bracket contest for the Women’s Tournament.  It wouldn’t be March Madness without everyone being included.
Thank you,
Kathryn Schwartz
Pawleys Capital Management
Sources: Catalyst, The Shriver Report – A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink.
© 2014 Pawleys Investment Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

Helping your Favorite Charity Pawleys-Style

Posted on by

0

Here in Pawleys Island, we like to focus on the simple things.  Charitable giving is a powerful way to support your favorite causes, it does not have to be complex, and it definitely isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy.  It is a very personal decision, and many people want to make sure their families are provided for first.  But, here are some basic ways you can help some of your favorite 501c3 organizations (oh, be sure to give me or your financial professional, your accountant, and lawyer a call to structure things properly for your unique situation):

1.  Wills/Trusts – You can provide for specific gifts in a basic will or trust document.

2.  Beneficiary Designations – You can use the beneficiary designations on qualified retirement plans such as IRA’s, 401(k)’s, life insurance policies, and annuity contracts.

3.  Transfer on Death Accounts – OK, it is not the most delicate term, but many banks and brokerage firms allow beneficiary designations for a nominal fee on savings and investment accounts.

The nice thing about the above listed items is that they are revocable, so if your circumstances change you can make the necessary adjustments to your planned gift.  I like to focus on the basics, and often simple steps can make a big difference in your situation and the execution of your wishes.  Start with the above, and we’ll talk more again soon about more complex planned-giving strategies so you can make sure your hard-earned and well-invested money is directed to support your passions.

© 2013 Pawleys Investment Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

Philanthropy from Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”

Posted on by

0

Carlos Slim reveals very little about his philanthropic efforts.  He cites chapter five of “The Prophet” to lend understanding:

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?

And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?

And what is fear of need but need itself?”

The book sits on my fireplace mantle on the top of a stack of my all-time favorites.  Thank you, Carlos, for reminding us how far humility goes.

© 2013 Pawleys Investment Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.