The holiday season is here, and it’s a time when many of us, or our loved ones, feel inspired to give to charity. One of my favorite charities is PAWS Atlanta (check them out above!). Giving back has always been important to my family, especially to my parents later in life. They generously supported numerous charities but found themselves receiving a flood of mail solicitations.

Curious about the organizations reaching out, I began researching some of them. What I discovered surprised me: while many charities claim to do amazing work, their financial records often tell a different story. A significant portion of donations can go toward marketing and administrative expenses rather than the causes they promote.

Through research (see resources below), I helped my parents redirect their giving to charities that maximize the impact of each dollar donated.

If you’re considering giving this season, we recommend doing a little homework. While many organizations sound like they’re making a difference, it’s worth checking the details to ensure your contributions have the intended effect. Two helpful resources for vetting charities are Give.org and CharityWatch.org. Note: CharityWatch requires you to set up a login.

As we approach the year’s end, it’s a great time to get a second opinion on your portfolio—we’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation today!

As always, your weekly market update is here.