There are few things more powerful than when people give of themselves—whether it’s time, treasure, or testimony. Philanthropy may come near the end of our Cadence FORMula, but it’s anything but an afterthought. For many families, it’s the heart of their financial legacy. And for those of us raising the next generation, it’s a bridge between what we believe and what we actually do with our blessings.
Personally, this one runs deep. I have two young boys. One is already involved in Trail Life USA and the other is not far behind. He loves it. And I love seeing him thrive in a setting that pulls him away from the screens and distractions, outdoors where he learns courage, leadership, and faith in a context that builds boys into men. That’s no accident. Trail Life’s mission is “to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.” Their vision goes even further—to produce godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. In a world that seems increasingly content to let boys flounder without guidance or responsibility, this mission matters.
Trail Life also gets dads outside with their sons. It challenges men to engage—to show up. And when a father shows up consistently, with intention and humility, that boy doesn’t forget. That bond is the groundwork for confidence, identity, and ultimately legacy. But it’s not just about my boys. This is personal in another way. Years ago, before I was married, I served as a mentor through the LAMP program. I worked with a young man who had struggled with more than his fair share in life. He was a good kid. Smart, kind, and full of potential. Tragically, he passed away in March of 2023. I still think about him. I miss him. And I carry that work forward now through my own sons.
I’m also a supporter of Urban Impact, a ministry based right here in Pittsburgh. Their mission is “to do our part in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission on the North Side of Pittsburgh by following His model of holistic ministry by investing in the lives of at-risk children, youth, and their families in order to develop responsible followers of Christ.” Their vision is equally clear: “We desire to see lives holistically transformed in our community one person, one family, and one block at a time who, in turn, make a powerful impact locally and globally for Jesus Christ.” That’s a big calling, but they’ve been doing it faithfully for decades—and they’ve earned the trust of our community. For those of us who believe in redemption and restoration, these organizations are not side projects. They are front lines.
Another cause close to my heart is K9 Paws of Valor, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides trained service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD. I know Cyn Bahneman personally—she’s not only a skilled breeder and trainer of German Shepherds, but a passionate advocate for those who’ve served our country and returned home with wounds that aren’t always visible. These dogs are more than companions—they are anchors. They’re trained to sense the early signs of PTSD episodes, helping guide their veteran partners back to a place of calm and clarity. In too many cases, these dogs are life-saving partners in the battle against despair and isolation. I’ve purchased German Shepherds from Cyn, and I can personally attest to their incredible temperament and capability. She trains a wide range of dogs and works closely with veterans to match them with a highly obedient, intuitive service companion. The result is not just obedience—but a bond rooted in healing, trust, and renewed strength.
And then there’s Eleventh Element, a unique ministry that blends physical fitness with spiritual growth. My good friend Josh Good is a part of this effort, and I’ve been inspired by what they’re doing. Their mission is to create life-changing experiences by helping people improve both body and soul. It’s a ministry that reaches people where they are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and calls them to rise. They’ve built a community that uplifts, encourages, and sharpens each other through faith and fitness. And I believe deeply in that mission. Changed bodies, changed hearts, and changed lives.
From a planning standpoint, philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about being strategic. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many retirees have found that their standard deduction is high enough that their annual giving no longer generates a tax benefit unless it’s thoughtfully structured. For some, that’s a disappointment. For others, it’s an opportunity. Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, appreciated stock donations, and charitable trusts can be powerful ways to support the causes people care about while reducing taxable income, minimizing capital gains, or even enhancing the after-tax inheritance for heirs. In other words, generosity and strategy aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re partners. And with the right structure, you can give more and may owe less.
More than that, charitable giving can breathe life into retirement. I’ve seen it happen. When people step away from their career, the loss of purpose or contribution can leave a void. But volunteering, mentoring, or serving a nonprofit can fill that void with renewed energy. It keeps the mind sharp, the body active, and the heart full. It also creates powerful relationships. I’ve met some of the most generous, grounded, and joy-filled people I know in charitable spaces—not because they were always wealthy, but because they were always willing.
And this pillar—Philanthropy—overlaps with every other one in the Cadence FORMula. Wealth Management, Risk Management, Income Planning, Tax Efficiency, and Legacy Planning all find relevance here. If you’ve worked a lifetime to build wealth, would you rather see it go where your heart leads—or leave it to Uncle Sam to decide? For some people, giving isn’t top of mind. They say, “I’m not really into charity.” But sometimes I wonder if they’ve ever been given the right context. If they’ve sat across from a ministry that’s changing lives. If they’ve heard the testimony of a veteran whose dog pulled him back from the edge. If they’ve felt the embrace of a child whose life has been changed by a program that gave them hope. That kind of moment can change a person. It’s changed me.
And let’s be clear—philanthropy isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. Even if someone doesn’t have the financial capacity to endow a building or create a foundation, they still have gifts. Skills. Life wisdom. Compassion. These are treasures too. And passing them on to others—whether through mentoring a young man, teaching a skill, or simply being present—can be a powerful form of giving. Sometimes, the most impactful gift you can give is yourself.
Although I’m not an attorney and we don’t provide legal advice, we work closely with attorneys who specialize in trust design, charitable gifting strategies, and estate structuring. From charitable remainder trusts to family foundations, we collaborate to make sure your giving goals are pursued with clarity, legality, and purpose. Our role is to guide the financial aspects—to help you give wisely, joyfully, and with intention. That’s what planning with purpose looks like.
At Penn Financial, we believe that philanthropy is a legacy that goes beyond dollars. It shapes character, restores communities, and points future generations toward what truly matters. Whether your gift is large or small, financial or personal, it matters. Because the way we give reflects the way we live—and the way we love.
And while philanthropy is a key pillar, there’s still one more to come. In our final entry in the Cadence FORMula series, we’ll explore the idea of Value Added Services—how advocacy, guidance, and intentional client relationships create a ripple effect that blesses far beyond your balance sheet.
Interested in discussing your financial future? Schedule a consultation today to see how we can support your long-term financial goals.
For specific estate planning or tax advice, please consult a qualified estate planning attorney or tax advisor/CPA. This content was generated utilizing the help of AI research and is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice.