Suddenly Wealthy–Giving it Away

Claire built her career as an environmental engineer and raised two daughters with her husband. Then something happened, something game changing: Claire and her husband earned tens of millions of dollars from a company's IPO. While many people might fantasize about how they'd spend such a fortune, Claire believes this wealth gave her an opportunity to do something bold—give it away to help save the planet. How can she donate most of her fortune with confidence that her contributions will have the impact she wants with the causes she cares about most?

In this episode of What Should I Do With My Money?, listen in as Claire learns how her money can make a difference with a holistic approach to philanthropy and impact investing from Mike, a Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisor.

Visit our episode website for a deeper dive on topics covered in this episode like creating a Donor Advised Fund, climate philanthropy or to find a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor to fit your needs. Also find important disclosures here.

The conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.

The Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc. (“MS GIFT, Inc.”) is an organization described in Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. MS Global Impact Funding Trust (“MS GIFT”) is a donor-advised fund. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC provides investment management and administrative services to MS GIFT. While we believe that MS GIFT provides a valuable philanthropic opportunity, contributions to MS GIFT are not appropriate for everyone. Other forms of charitable giving may be more appropriate depending on a donor’s specific situation. Of critical importance to any person considering making a donation to MS GIFT is the fact that any such donation is an irrevocable contribution. Although donors will have certain rights to make recommendations to MS GIFT as described in the Donor Circular & Disclosure Statement, contributions become the legal property of MS GIFT when donated. The Donor Circular & Disclosure Statement describes the risks, fees and expenses associated with establishing and maintaining an MS GIFT account. Read it carefully before contributing.

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The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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