Investment Thought of the Month

Many worthwhile charities are really suffering during these challenging economic times.  Many are reporting significant shortfalls in their fundraising goals.  Historically many lived hand to mouth anyway.  Smaller, local charities do not have large endowments that some of the large charities have built over time.  The following are just a couple of ideas on how you might "invest" in these charities without causing significant problems with your own cash flow that might have suffered during these tough times.
 
First, any appreciated investments like stocks, bonds or mutual funds that you own in a taxable account can be donated directly to the charity without triggering any capital gains for you.  You are also able to deduct the donation up to IRS limitations (consult your tax professional for your specific situation and contact the development director at the charity to facilitate the transaction). 
 
Second, many smaller charities apply for grants from larger private or corporate foundations.   In some cases those grants are awarded using a matching formula and pledges in some cases help.  For example let's say you pledged to donate $10,000 to a charity over the next five years.  That charity might be able to apply that pledge towards "funds committed" on an application for a grant.  Your pledge (non-binding commitment for future donations) might help secure financial support today for one of your favorite charities.
 
Third, you could volunteer some time in assisting a charity with a fundraising event.  Most charities host fundraisers and are looking for volunteers to help with many aspects the event, especially help with soliciting for donated items for raffles, silent and oral auctions and selling tickets to the event.  Assisting with a fundraiser is low cost but important contribution.
 
And last if you are employed by a larger corporation, many offer a matching charitable contribution program as part of their benefits package.  For years I took advantage of this "perk" while employed for two large corporations.  Generally they match dollar for dollar up to a certain amount.  However they usually cap the total amount the company sets aside for the year.  Therefore making your contribution early in the year helps ensure you get the maximum match for your charity.
 
If time is money, then donating some time to help your favorite charity this year might be a very smart way to "invest" in our community.
 
To discuss these or other charitable strategies give me a call at 314-737-8123.

Wingshooting in Argentina?

Argentina is quickly becoming the hotspot for South American wingshooting, especially dove. Sportsman's Resource Connection (SRC) would like to help you achieve this once in a lifetime hunting experience. 

SRC has performed due diligence on Argentina Ducks and Doves LLC and would like to help put together a group of hunters from the St. Louis area for a four day dove hunt in mid August 2011 (their cooler season).  Let's escape the heat and humidity of St. Louis for a few days this summer and shoot some dove in one of the hottest dove shooting spots in the world---Argentina.

If you are interested in learning more, please call Mark Johnson at 314-737-8123 or e-mail at mark@WealthResourceConnection.com 

To learn more about Argentina Ducks and Doves LLC, including pricing, please click on the following link http://www.planetducksanddoves.com/.