"There’s just this guilt that comes along with [not giving away wealth].”

Why do successful professionals earning $300,000+ struggle to give charitably? Our hosts, Natalie and Dan Slagle, tackle this uncomfortable reality by drawing from their own experiences.

So what are the usual barriers? The Slagles break it down by practical and psychological.

Lifestyle creep consumes income through fixed expenses like childcare and mortgages, creating a scarcity mindset even at high earnings. High earners compare themselves to those making $60,000 donations and question whether their $100 monthly contribution matters.

Analysis paralysis sets in when considering tax strategies like donor-advised funds versus simple cash gifts. Perhaps most paralyzing is uncertainty about choosing the "right" charity that aligns with values and uses funds effectively.

Natalie admires faith-based clients who tithe 10% as a non-negotiable expense, treating charitable giving like rent: essential and automatic! They discuss practical frameworks like starting with 1% of income ($3,000 annually for someone earning $300,000) or setting fixed dollar goals spread across multiple organizations.

The mechanics matter less than just starting.

Options range from simple cash donations to appreciated stock transfers that avoid capital gains taxes, or donor-advised funds that provide immediate tax deductions while allowing time to choose recipients. For 2025, many will itemize deductions due to increased SALT limits, making charitable contributions tax-advantaged.

Dan's personal connection (running the Chicago Marathon for the American Cancer Society after losing his mother) shows how giving becomes meaningful when aligned with values.

The most important thing is to treat charitable giving as reflecting family values, not losing money. Start small, notice the feelings, and build from there!

Key Topics:

• Why Giving Feels Hard Despite High Income (02:14)
• Lifestyle Creep and Scarcity Mindset (03:37)
• Fear of Doing It Wrong (06:58)
• Donor-Advised Funds as a Solution (07:43)
• Learning from Those Who Tithe (15:15)
• Percentage vs. Fixed Dollar Approaches (16:18)
• Mechanics: Cash, Appreciated Stock, and RMDs (18:32)
• Breaking Down Donor-Advised Funds (21:55)
• Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving (27:17)
• Shifting Mindset from Loss to Values (31:44)
• Dan's Marathon Fundraising Story (34:05)

Natalie Slagle, CFP® and Dan Slagle, CFP® are the founding partners and lead financial planners at Fyooz Financial Planning — an independent firm dedicated to helping high-earning couples in their 30s and 40s confidently navigate the complexities of managing money together.

At Fyooz, they specialize in turning financial stress into strategy, guiding couples through everything from cash flow and investing to aligning money with shared goals.

Disclaimer: For updated disclosures, please visit fyoozfinancial.com.