Problem: Is there a more efficient way to donate to my causes?

        Strategy: Yes, and it's called planned charitable giving.

        The Financial Planning Association says that not planning your gifts hurts both the donors and ultimately the charities.

        The majority of affluent households employ “checkbook charity” — that is, haphazardly giving small amounts to a variety of charities, commonly in cash and often in reaction to well-pitched solicitations.

        Planned giving is an organized approach to giving that evaluates the donor's personal values, selects charitable organizations and gift-giving vehicles that best reflect those values.

        It then maximizes the financial and tax benefits of the gifts.

        Donors often want influence over how their gifts are spent.

        Instead of simply writing a check, they want to be actively involved in seeing that their money targets the programs they care about. Foundations, charitable remainder trusts or donor-advised funds are methods of controlling the use of your charitable gifts.

        Those vehicles also provide tax benefits that, while not the underlying reason for giving to charity, do make it financially feasible to give more to charity.

        Planned giving also makes use of techniques that maximize the dollar amount that ultimately benefits the charity.

        Gifting stock avoids the donor's payment on capital gains taxes, and thus leaves more to the charity. It also may make sense to consider whether the gift is made before or after the donor's death.

        Some donors also look to planned giving as a way to leave a legacy — an ongoing philanthropic gift that can't be done with standard checkbook giving.

        Readers: Consider Savvy Strategies as general information only and seek the help of professionals because circumstances might vary.

        Planners: Share your tips with Enquirer readers. Send your Savvy Strategies to Amy Higgins, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202 or e-mail ahiggins@enquirer.com.

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