Giving Is Easy. Giving Well Takes Thought.

You want to give, but what’s the smartest way?

Before you write that cheque, ask yourself:

“Does this fit into my retirement plan?”

Because for many people, the question isn’t whether they care - it’s whether they can give without creating unnecessary pressure on their retirement.

When you’re living off pensions, investment income, or savings you’ve worked decades to build, it’s natural to hesitate.

That can make charitable giving feel different too.

And how you give can matter just as much as why you give.

With the right strategy, you can support the causes you love without putting pressure on your portfolio.

Why Giving Changes After You Stop Working

During your working years, charitable giving was straightforward:

• A cheque

• A one-time campaign

• An annual contribution

But in retirement, the picture changes.

Your income might come from pensions, RRIF withdrawals, or investment portfolios.

At the same time, many retirees want their donations to feel meaningful, not impulsive.

That’s where thoughtful planning becomes powerful.

It answers the question:

“How can I keep giving while staying confident about my retirement?”

Thoughtful planning helps answer that question.

Not All Charitable Donations Are Treated the Same

In Canada, charitable gifts can take several forms:

• Cash donations

• Gifts through estates or legacy plans

• Donations of publicly traded securities

Most people assume they all work the same. They don’t.

Different methods can:

• Reduce your taxes

• Protect your retirement income

• Increase what the charity receives

The intent might be to support a cause you care about but the outcome can be very different depending on how you give.

For example: donating securities directly can potentially eliminate capital gains tax while allowing the full value to go to the charity.

That means the charity receives more and it costs you less.

Giving With Awareness

It can feel uncomfortable to talk about taxes and generosity in the same breath.

But understanding the tax impact of your choices helps you:

• Avoid surprises

• Give more strategically

• Align your philanthropy with your long-term plan

Because for many retirees, charitable giving is part of your financial plan.

A Conversation Worth Having

You can support the causes you care about and stay confident in your retirement.

You simply need the right structure.

There are strategies that help you:

• Protect your retirement income

• Make a meaningful impact

• Reduce taxes

If charitable giving is important to you, let’s talk about how to build it into your plan.

Book a one-to-one meeting with us at (403) 260-0469 or visit pkag.ca.

This commentary is for discussion and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation, an endorsement, or solicitation of any investment strategy, or to buy, hold or sell any security. Individual circumstances and current events are critical to sound planning; anyone wishing to act on the information presented should consult with his or her financial, legal or tax advisor.

David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. 

The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, and the guest author and referenced material do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. 

This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. 

CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc.