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Want Happier Clients? Start Talking About Charitable Giving

Advisors often say their happiest clients are those who incorporate charitable giving into their financial and estate plans. Whether it’s a “chicken or the egg” situation—are happier people more likely to give, or does giving make people happier?—the benefits of philanthropy are hard to ignore. Charitable giving offers both emotional and practical upsides, and advisors who embrace these conversations can strengthen relationships and provide well-rounded services.

The Opportunity for Advisors

Despite the clear advantages of discussing philanthropy, many advisors shy away from it. Surveys reveal that only 5% of advisors feel “very confident” bringing up charitable giving with clients, and 72% don’t include it in their initial conversations. This gap presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance your services and position yourself as a trusted, forward-thinking advisor.

When you discuss charitable giving, you’re not just helping clients plan their finances—you’re also contributing to their overall well-being. Research shows that philanthropy can foster deeper client satisfaction, loyalty, and even happiness.

Charitable Giving and Client Well-Being

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal highlights the surprising health benefits of charitable giving:

• Improved Mental and Physical Health: Donating to charity is associated with a better mood, lower blood pressure, and potentially even a longer life.
• Happiness Hormones: Giving triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, which promote feelings of happiness while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Scientific Backing: Brain scientists and economists have documented these effects, suggesting that the “helper’s high” is real and can contribute to long-term well-being.

While every client’s experience with philanthropy is unique, these findings emphasize the potential for charitable giving to enhance a client’s quality of life—not just financially but emotionally and physically as well.

Start the Conversation

Advisors who incorporate philanthropic discussions into their services not only provide added value but also deepen their client relationships. To get started:

• Include questions about charitable giving during initial client meetings.
• Educate clients about tax benefits and giving strategies that align with their goals.
• Focus on the emotional and social impact of giving, not just the financial aspects.

The Athens Area Community Foundation is here to support you and your clients at every step of the charitable giving process. From navigating tax planning complexities to exploring the emotional side of giving, our team can help ensure that your clients achieve both their financial objectives and their philanthropic aspirations.Reach out to us anytime you’re working with charitably inclined clients. Together, we can help them make a difference—both in their lives and in the communities they care about.