Talk to me like I am a 5yr. old – Sharing is good.

Do you remember sitting outside in the summer with a double Popsicle? They had a groove down the center to break it in half. Picture yourself sitting on the porch, snapping that Popsicle in half, and giving the other half to your best friend. Didn’t it feel great to “share your wealth?” That is what gifting is all about.
Charitable gifting is a wonderful thing. You can help your community and yourself at the same time. If you gift directly from your IRA, and do this properly, it can also count toward your Required Minimum Distribution. If you make a gift with non-retirement assets you may or may not be able to take a deduction under current tax law due to the current Standard Deductions.
Gifting, in my opinion, should not be done primarily for that tax benefit. Gifting should be done because you can share your wealth. Just remember that great feeling of the sunshine on your face and your besties next to you eating that Popsicle.

Disclosures:http://www.hechteffect.net/?page_id=31