By Dee Jernigan

Many people don’t realize that giving back, can increase their wealth and happiness. It’s never too late to make a meaningful impact in 2019 and beyond. We’ve compiled several easy-to-implement ways to maximize giving back to those in need.

BUDGETING – WHERE GIVING BEGINS
To give more to your favorite charity, you first must be able to free up funds within your budget - like skipping your daily coffee, or rounding purchases up to the nearest dollar and putting that extra cash in a giving fund.

MAKE GIVING AUTOMATIC
Try breaking down the gift into smaller payments. Some charities allow for a specified amount to be automatically deducted monthly. This way, your donations will feel less like an “extra” expense.

DONATE FUNDS YOU’RE NOT USING
If you have investments that have taken a favorable turn during the recent bull market, you can donate the appreciated stocks or mutual funds. Larger charities are readily able to accept these gifts.

GIVE BACK IN OTHER WAYS
Charities are always in need of volunteers to help achieve their mission. Many organizations are also looking for clothing or furniture to help people they serve. Beyond helping others, many of these types of donations are tax deductible.

If you’re looking for specific ways to increase your charitable giving, talk to a trusted financial advisor today.