From a young age, most of us have heard the phrase, “It’s better to give than to receive.” The holiday season calls this maxim to mind more often than other times of the year. And while it sounds nice and noble, but is it actually true? The research says yes.

In the category of Christmas movies about money, it is impossible to compete with It’s a Wonderful Life. The depiction of the bank run alone nearly stops the conversation. But if we’re going to talk about the best Christmas movie about money and grace not named IAWL, we have to talk about The Holdovers.

This time of year, our inboxes are often flooded with emails about great needs in our communities and around the world. When you’re in your prime working years and have a steady source of income, it may be easier to contemplate and execute charitable giving. But what about when you retire?

When you’re grateful for what you have and generous with your resources, you experience less financial stress than when you focus primarily on accumulation. The psychological link between gratitude and financial well-being has real implications for everyday money management.

For many business owners and wealth creators in retirement, the IRA is a relic of earlier accumulation — a tax-deferred account that now forces withdrawals you may not need. Whether it’s your own IRA or one you’ve inherited, these distributions are an obligation, but they can also become a tool for purpose, generosity, and legacy that you can thoughtfully deploy.

For individuals and families who want to make a lasting charitable impact while maximizing tax efficiency, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as one of the most powerful giving platforms available today. Here are five financial advantages that donor-advised funds offer: