In addition to savings provided by the charitable deduction, giving long-term appreciated assets (owned for at least a year and one day) such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds allow you to bypass capital gains taxes that would otherwise be due upon the sale of the assets. It is also important to note that the appreciated asset(s) should be given or transferred directly to Connie Maxwell or other charity. If the property is sold and subsequently given, then any capital gain taxes would also be due. Conversely, securities that have reduced in value should be sold first and then given. This will allow the donor the charitable deduction for the cash gift as well as the capital loss, effectively deducting more than the current value of the assets.

Another scenario is ownership of a security that "has run its course" and is less likely to increase rapidly in value (and even possibly decrease in value). One way to make a significant gift while dealing with this dilemma is to make a "balanced sale" of the securities. Under this arrangement with your financial advisor, you give a part of your investment to charity while selling the remainder. The logic being that the gift portion will provide enough relief from capital gains to offset capital gains on the remaining portion. As a result, you are able to enjoy the personal satisfaction of making a significant gift to the children while minimizing your tax liability on the remainder of your investment.