Chapter 13

The Why of Giving

We have discussed the who of family giving—recipients, givers, spouses, grandparents, trustees, and elders. We have reviewed some of the how, including the balance between control and freedom, fair and equal, separate and together, as well as outright giving, gift loans, and trusts. And we have touched on some of the most common gifts besides money or securities, including homes, business interests, values, rituals, and reputation. In all these discussions we have asked how gifts may enhance lives rather than merely subsidize individual lifestyles. We have repeatedly posed these questions as signposts for your own journey of discernment or mindful giving.

But we have not yet taken up another central question: Why? ...

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