Posts by James Burden
Engaging the Next Generation in Generosity
Last fall, Greta Thunberg gave a compelling call to action against climate change[1]. She was 16 years old at the time. Greta has Asperger’s Syndrome, OCD and Selective Mutism, which she explains as “only speaking when necessary.” Her frustration with the lack of action against climate change caused her to speak up. She recalls learning…
Read MoreWhat’s Your Endgame?
*Warning: possible Avengers Endgame spoilers* From the upcoming conclusion to the Skywalker saga to the record-breaking Avengers series, pop-culture is awash in discussions about legacy. Fans who have followed characters they love for years are deeply invested in what the franchise finales will leave behind. But legacy is not restricted to heroes in a fantasy…
Read MoreStart Building Your Legacy Today
Within the charitable sector, there is an understanding that legacy is all about what you do with your money after you die. However, I think that definition can leave out an important part of the story. Legacy is more than just a gift from your estate – it is built up over a lifetime of…
Read MoreCGEP The Benefits of Donating Securities
Originally published in Your Guide to Charitable Giving & Estate Planning© Spring 2019. Gift planning consultant Sherri Grosz explains the benefits of donating publicly traded securities.
Read MoreIt Pays to Give
Originally published in Wealth Professional Canada. Issue 7.04, April 2019. An interview with gift planning consultants Sherri Grosz and Brad Friesen on donating publicly traded securities as a smart way to give to your charity of choice.
Read MoreThe Business of Being Generous
The business world is often described as a battle ground. Competitors are to be crushed and customers are to be won over. The bottom-line rules. Companies may strategically give away products and skills. Yet, the root goal is brand awareness or making useful relationships. Is this what generosity looks like in the business world? Doug…
Read More“No Problem”: A New Level of Generosity
It was a cold morning. Sleet, slush, grey – you get it. Yet, my husband and I have a standing Saturday ‘date’. We walk the short distance from our house into town. Once there, we divide the list of errands, then meet back at Starbucks for coffee. And well the weather wasn’t encouraging, we decided…
Read MoreGiving Out Loud
You may not feel like it, but when you live generously, you are an influencer. Perhaps not a 2M YouTube viewers influencer, but your donations model your values, and people are watching: Co-workers, friends, family – not least of whom are children and young people. When they see you give to charity, and know that…
Read MoreA Radical Financial Plan
A Net Zero Budget A few years ago, retired teachers Doug and Karen, created a radical new financial plan. They were in their seventies and their idea was just a little reckless. “We said to each other, ‘Let’s say we live another 20 years – wouldn’t it be nice if we ran out of money…
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