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Comments
Thank you so much for saying that—I’m glad it was helpful! I appreciate you taking the time to read it and share a note.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Yes, that potential deduction for non-itemizers is an interesting development and one more way policy may encourage everyday generosity.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Thank you for these thoughtful additions—and for reading so carefully. You’re absolutely right about naming a successor advisor for a DAF, especially when there’s a meaningful balance involved. It’s a wonderful way to extend your charitable intentions and invite the next generation—like your niece—into joyful, intentional giving. I also appreciate your point about fees on online platforms. Convenience has its place, but being aware of costs and giving directly when possible can help more of each gift reach the charity’s mission. Your remarks remind us that how we give is as important as how much we give.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Great question—and one that comes up a lot. Very simply, Congress designed QCDs so the money goes directly to a charity for current use, not into a vehicle where you can retain advisory control and delay when (or if) the funds reach operating charities. With a donor-advised fund, you still have ongoing influence over grants, so the IRS treats that differently from a direct gift. So QCDs must go straight from an IRA to a qualifying public charity—not to a DAF, private foundation, or supporting organization—even though those are all “charitable” in a broader sense.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Absolutely—thank you for bringing this up. Volunteering time and expertise can be just as valuable as writing a check, and often brings a deep sense of purpose and connection to both the giver and the recipient.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Excellent point—thank you for bringing this up. State rules around charitable giving can differ quite a bit, so it’s wise to look at both federal and state treatment when planning gifts. A quick check with a tax professional or your state’s resources can help you make the most of your generosity.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words! I’m glad you found the list helpful and hope it sparks even more creative ways to give.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
I love this, and I’m so glad you shared it. Giving time can create a kind of connection and “warm glow” that’s hard to match with dollars alone—especially in roles like Meals on Wheels, where you see the impact on real people right away. Financial gifts matter, of course, but your example is a beautiful reminder that our presence and caring can be just as powerful a form of generosity.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
Thank you for laying this out so clearly—these are such important practical points. QCDs can indeed be a powerful tool, especially for those who don’t itemize and for anyone trying to stay under an IRMAA threshold. Your reminders about early December cutoffs, the purpose of the gift, and acknowledgment letters are very helpful. As always, it’s wise for folks to confirm specifics with their custodian and tax or financial advisor so everything is handled and reported correctly.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025
You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into how you’ll handle your QCDs and RMDs—using IRA check-writing to control timing and confirm when the charity receives the gift is a smart, practical step. You’re also right to flag the new 1099-R “Y” code starting in 2025. My understanding is that this change is still evolving, and custodians may differ in how they handle QCDs done by check—especially when there’s no automatic flag on their end. That makes your own recordkeeping (copies of checks and acknowledgement letters) especially important so you and your tax preparer can report things correctly. I’ll be very interested to hear William Perry’s take on this too, and I’d also encourage checking directly with Fidelity about how they plan to code QCDs made via check-writing.
Post: 10 Ways to Give—Without Writing a Check
Link to comment from November 17, 2025