Modern generosity from business to the breakfast table
IN THIS EMAIL
The parable of the portfolio
Cultivating the unexpected
Five summer priorities for a smooth year end
Giving as a calling
The Parable of the Portfolio
In a recent post, The Signatry’s own Jake Tometich shared an illuminating perspective from his conversations as Director of Investment Education and Accounts:
Unpacking a phenomenon he encounters with individuals and families, Jake observes that philanthropic-minded investors seem to evaluate charitable dollars differently than they evaluate their own investments.
“Take away ownership, and people become better investors. The ego walks out, and judgment walks in.”
His reflection serves as a reminder of a greater truth: We are not owners; we are stewards.
Jesus tells a story in Matthew 25:14-30 that paints the picture for us. In it, a master gives three servants bags of gold—not to possess, but to faithfully manage. Two worked tirelessly and invested wisely for the benefit of the master; one stashed the money away and could return only the amount the master had entrusted to him.
Reviewing quarterly reports and comparing performance are important to the health of a portfolio. But there is a certain freedom in remembering that the money we keep is just as much God’s as the money we give away.
As summer heat and thunderstorms roll in, so do the season’s best: blooms of all color, shape, and size open up, and produce finds its way from garden to table.
Through careful preparation and tending, we reap what we sow. Sometimes, though, surprises crop up and move us in new directions:
Lily bulbs propagate, signaling us to divide and transplant the offsets.
Seeds we thought were tomatoes are eggplant, opening us up to explore new recipes.
That “just in case” seed gave us two dozen extra zucchini to share.
When surprises crop up in business, it can be easy to simply dismiss them. But it may be worth digging into the possibilities:
Could that in-house incubated project be scaled into an independent, cash-generating entity?
Could that unintended value creation mean a shift in resources toward a product or service?
Could that windfall be directed to uplift and serve the community?
Not every opportunity follows the original plan; sometimes meaningful growth arises from the unexpected. By staying curious and open to cultivating possibilities, the surprises can evolve into long-term value—for ourselves, our businesses, and our communities.
Five Summer Priorities for a Smooth Year End
December is just months away, which makes July the perfect time to make sure the year is still on track. Before summer flies by, you may want to review your:
Tax withholding: Consider any income fluctuations, filing status changes, side projects, and other situations. Does your current withholding still match your situation?
Tax-advantaged accounts: Are you on pace with your intended contributions? Small adjustments mid-year can make a big difference.
Giving strategy: If you have a 2026 giving goal or pledges to fulfill, do you need to make revisions to stay on schedule? Now is also a good time to think about noncash gifts since those take time to process. Completing those gifts this quarter will ensure that the proceeds are available for year-end charitable contributions.
Insurance coverage: With summer bringing more travel, a few key questions can help avoid headaches if something unexpected happens. Is your auto coverage current? Does your health insurance apply for international trips? Does your homeowner’s policy include everything it should?
Summer spending: Travel, dining out, entertainment, and seasonal activities often increase spending this time of year. A quick, honest review can minimize cash flow surprises.
A few simple steps now can help avoid end-of-year challenges. Remember to loop in your financial, tax, and insurance professionals for guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Giving as a Calling
Earlier this year, we introduced young inheritor and investor Kate Gardner. You can see a portion of her testimony here:
When Kate shares about “The Faithfulness Fund,” a donor advised fund (DAF) she opened at The Signatry, she beautifully expresses her approach to conversations with her giving team there:
“Will you help me commission this gift?”
Much like sending missionaries, recommending a grant from a DAF begins with discernment and a desire to faithfully respond to a calling. A grant commissions organizations to carry out their work, sending resources alongside them to advance the gospel and meet needs around the world.
Kate also shows how faith-driven generosity is strengthened when the giving vehicle itself is faith aligned. By using a DAF at a Christian sponsor like The Signatry, donors are welcomed into a virtual gathering of generous believers. They are invited to work closely with a team that is not only qualified and attentive, but also compelled to help meet the needs of others and advance the gospel.
It is one thing to support the work of organizations doing good; it is exponentially more powerful when two or more work together, commissioning and sending gifts out into the world.
This does not constitute nor does The Signatry provide legal, tax, financial or other professional advice. You should consult professional advisors concerning the legal, tax, or financial consequences of your charitable activities.
