Giving with Clarity: A Legacy That Reflects the Journey
A real-life inspired scenario from The Impact Series
The Principles Behind The Impact Series
At Rubach Wealth, we believe generosity is most powerful when it is guided by intention. The Impact Series is grounded in five core principles that shape how we help clients approach philanthropy:
- Clarity of Impact – Understand the change your giving can support.
- Alignment with Values – Ensure your generosity reflects what matters most.
- Structure & Strategy – Give with a plan, not just in moments of inspiration.
- Legacy & Continuity – Think beyond today and build something that lasts.
- Empowered Decision-Making – Know the tools, strategies, and options available to you.
Client Profile
- David & Laura, ages 58 and 56
- Professionals with a combined net worth of $12.2M
- Two children, ages 19 and 22
- Their youngest child was born with special needs and benefited from SickKids, Holland Bloorview, and a small special education school
- Still supporting both children through post-secondary
- Home nearly paid off (two years remaining on the mortgage)
The Situation
David and Laura have always felt a strong desire to give back to the organizations that supported them during difficult chapters in their family’s life. Now, approaching retirement, they are torn:
- They want to ensure their children – especially their youngest – are secure for the long term.
- They hope to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the causes that shaped their story.
- They are unsure whether to give now, give later, or structure their giving as part of their estate.
Their question was simple but significant: “Can we afford to give back – and still take care of our family?”
Our Approach
Using the principles of The Impact Series, we guided a strategy built on clarity, structure, and thoughtful planning.
Clarity of Impact
We helped them understand their giving capacity without compromising long-term family needs. They explored scenarios – for example, what a $350,000 gift could support across organizations like SickKids or Holland Bloorview. Seeing potential outcomes helped them feel confident and informed.
Charity Evaluation (Empowered Decision-Making)
We reviewed transparency, governance, and impact measures across several organizations, reinforcing their confidence in the ones that mattered most to them.
Family Conversations (Alignment & Legacy)
Inspired by our “Giving as a Family” framework, David and Laura invited their children into the discussion. Their eldest offered to help oversee future grants, and their youngest shared ideas about inclusive community programs that resonate with them.
Giving Vehicle (Structure & Strategy)
Rather than establishing a private foundation, they chose a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). It allowed them to contribute gradually, invest tax-free, and make grants over time – without the administrative complexity.
Legacy Planning (Continuity)
Working alongside their legal and tax advisors, their wills were updated, their tax strategy was aligned, and future-directed giving was integrated through both the DAF and an insurance policy.
The Outcome
- A Donor Advised Fund with a long-term $500,000 vision
- A structured, confident roadmap for legacy giving
- Alignment across their financial, family, and philanthropic priorities
- Most importantly: peace of mind that they are caring for their family and the community that cared for them
- New, meaningful conversations among family members – and a commitment to keep the dialogue going
That’s what happens when generosity meets strategy.
Explore your own giving strategy with us.
Part of The Impact Series | A thought-provoking initiative by Rubach Wealth
*Names and identifying information have been modified to protect client confidentiality.
