Financial Wellness: The Benefits of Giving

We’ve all heard the saying, “It is better to give, than to receive.” Did you know there is actual scientific research that backs up that statement? Experts have found that giving creates a “warm glow” of dopamine in the body, lighting up the same parts of the brain as eating a favorite dessert or connecting with friends. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are many physical and mental health benefits associated with giving and helping others, such as:

• Lower blood pressure
• Longer lifespan
• Less stress
• Increased sense of purpose and belonging
• ‘Helper’s High’—boosting self-esteem, elevating happiness levels, and decreasing depression

Financial Wellness is an integral part of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, which also include physical, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and environmental. Each of these are interconnected and play a vital role in our Balanced Living programming at our Brio Living Services communities. There are many ways you can give of your time, talent, and treasure to improve these dimensions of wellness in your own life, while also assisting in the lives of others. Giving to charities that mean the most to you, like the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, can take many forms. In addition to making an annual gift, you might also think about a variety of planned gifts that will provide support both now and in the future. Consider:

• Making a gift from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to a nonprofit organization, which offers tax saving benefits for you.
• Giving appreciated stock can allow you to avoid capital gains taxes.
• Recommending a gift to a nonprofit from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) provides tax savings and grows your impact.
• May is Leave a Legacy month, and leaving your favorite charity in your will or estate plan makes a huge difference on future generations, while filling your heart with joy and purpose today.

All of us at the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation are grateful for your generosity that connects each of us and creates a deeper sense of meaning within our broader community. To learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of those we serve, while giving yourself the satisfaction of helping others, visit Foundation.UMRCPH.org.