In this episode, Ellie is talking with Arlene Cogen, a certified financial planner and the author of GIVE TO LIVE: Make A Charitable Gift You Never Imagined.
After spending 20 years on Wall Street working in trusts and investments, Arlene and her family headed to the west coast where she pivoted to a career in philanthropy. Arlene was with the Oregon Community Foundation for nearly a decade. Her experiences working with families on legacy and charitable gift planning led her to write her book in 2018.
During the conversation, Arlene and Ellie talk about the research-based impact giving can have on one’s happiness. They dive into legacy planning and giving, and how different generations approach this important work. They touch on specific philanthropic tools, including donor-directed funds (also known as designated funds). Arlene also shares a few donor stories from her book that highlight the challenges of navigating issues related to family and money.
In this episode:
- Meet Arlene Cogen (2:35)
- What led Arlene to write GIVE TO LIVE (8:00)
- The connection between giving and happiness (10:28)
- Arlene’s story of engaging family in philanthropy (12:50)
- Personal, financial and legacy planning (21:20)
- Giving during or after your life (24:47)
- Understanding donor directed funds (27:06)
- The good son and the other son: one family’s story (32:05)
- Ways to instill philanthropic values in children (37:40)
- What would you do if you found yourself with more money than you dreamed possible? (39:04)
- How to find Arlene (41:08)
- Bonus questions (42:12)
Resources from this episode:
GIVE TO LIVE: Make A Charitable Gift You Never Imagined
How to Buy Happiness, TED Talk with Michael Norton
Guest Bio:
Arlene Cogen is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who began on Wall Street. She spent over 20 years in the trust and investment world. Desiring change and wanting to lead by example for her daughters, Arlene then spent nine years in nonprofit development helping guide the ninth largest community foundation in the country.
Arlene is a sought after speaker, and Amazon #1 Bestselling author of GIVE TO LIVE: Make A Charitable Gift You Never Imagined. She teaches from experience and shares what she learned.
Arlene’s passion is fostering deep relationships, engaging the next generation, and making a lasting difference through leadership and philanthropy.
From Wall Street to Main Street, when you work with Arlene, you get a fresh and comprehensive perspective on giving.
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If you are the next generation of family business, philanthropy and wealth, and have a topic you think we should discuss, let us know at Ellie@successfulgenerations.com.
