Charity begins in the heart, but it also requires a plan.

In this episode, Dave Shaffer and Caroline Cercone walk through the essential considerations for charitable giving, from choosing the right vehicle for your donations to understanding the tax benefits that make generosity work for you and your family. Whether you're looking to support causes you care about during the holidays, reduce your tax burden, or create a lasting legacy, this conversation simplifies the what, why, and how of charitable giving.

Dave and Caroline break down the most common options for giving—from donor-advised funds that let you get an immediate tax deduction while deciding later which charities to support, to private foundations that offer family control and a long-term charitable mission. They explain when charitable trusts make sense, how to involve your family in philanthropic decisions, and why the annual gift tax exclusion amount doesn't apply to charitable giving.

The episode wraps up with a cautionary "Show and Tell" segment highlighting Feed the Children—a charity that once earned the title of "Most Outrageous Charity in America." Dave and Caroline emphasize the importance of doing your homework before donating to ensure your hard-earned money actually reaches those in need.