Problem
Sophie gives $25,000 - $50,000 a year to charity. Most charitable gifts are in the $500 - $5,000 range, and she has always just written a check when making her charitable gifts. She does make a few bigger gifts of $10,000 or more from time to time. She has an investment portfolio of publicly-traded stocks, many of which have a low cost basis. Assume Sophie becomes a client of yours. What do you advise her with respect to her charitable giving? Is there a better way for her to give to charity?