In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, individuals and families are increasingly seeking ways to create a lasting legacy—one that not only secures financial stability but also contributes meaningfully to society.
This is where Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning comes into play, providing a comprehensive solution that harmonizes philanthropy with wealth management. By blending financial growth strategies with charitable giving, Synchrony empowers clients to make values-driven decisions that benefit both their families and the broader community.
Understanding Charitable Wealth Planning
Charitable wealth planning is the process of integrating philanthropic goals into a comprehensive financial strategy. It allows individuals to support causes they care about while also achieving tax efficiency, estate planning objectives, and long-term wealth preservation.
At its core, charitable wealth planning answers the question: How can I use my wealth to create a meaningful, lasting impact—both for my heirs and the world around me?
Whether it’s supporting education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, or social justice, charitable wealth planning ensures that giving is done strategically and sustainably.
What Is Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning?
Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning is a specialized service that helps individuals and families design, implement, and manage strategies that align wealth with purpose. Offered through Synchrony Financial or its wealth management arm (depending on the context), this planning service integrates philanthropy into a broader financial plan.
Synchrony focuses on creating personalized giving strategies that optimize tax benefits, ensure legacy preservation, and maximize the charitable impact of a client’s wealth. These plans are carefully crafted through a combination of estate planning, investment management, legal structuring, and tax planning.
Key Features of Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning
1. Customized Philanthropic Strategies
Every individual has unique values and charitable goals. Synchrony’s approach begins with in-depth consultations to understand what matters most to each client. From there, they design tailored strategies that align with those values—whether through donor-advised funds (DAFs), charitable trusts, foundations, or direct gifts.
2. Tax-Efficient Giving
One of the key advantages of charitable wealth planning is the opportunity to reduce income and estate taxes. Synchrony helps clients:
- Offset capital gains through appreciated asset donations
- Reduce taxable income via charitable deductions
- Minimize estate taxes by moving assets out of the taxable estate
3. Integration with Estate and Legacy Planning
Synchrony ensures charitable strategies are fully integrated into clients’ broader estate plans. This helps maintain harmony between charitable goals and the financial needs of heirs, ensuring a lasting legacy that reflects the client’s values.
4. Investment Management
Through professionally managed charitable accounts, Synchrony enables clients to grow their philanthropic assets over time. These funds can be invested according to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, aligning investments with values.
5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Charitable giving often involves complex legal structures and IRS regulations. Synchrony works with legal and tax professionals to ensure full compliance and avoid potential pitfalls.
Charitable Giving Vehicles Used by Synchrony
To offer maximum flexibility and effectiveness, Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning utilizes various philanthropic vehicles, each with unique benefits:
– Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
DAFs allow donors to make a tax-deductible contribution, invest the funds for growth, and recommend grants to charities over time. Synchrony offers DAFs as a streamlined, flexible way to manage giving.
– Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)
CRTs provide income to the donor or other beneficiaries for a specified period, with the remainder going to charity. This allows clients to receive tax benefits and income simultaneously.
– Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs)
CLTs provide income to a charitable organization for a set term, after which the remaining assets return to the donor or heirs. This is often used for estate tax planning and legacy building.
– Private Foundations
For clients looking to establish a lasting philanthropic presence, Synchrony assists in the formation and management of private foundations, including governance, grant-making, and compliance.
Who Can Benefit from Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning?
Charitable wealth planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy. It benefits a wide range of individuals and families, including:
- High-net-worth individuals seeking tax-efficient giving strategies
Business owners planning for succession or liquidity events - Retirees looking to establish a legacy
- Families wishing to instill philanthropic values in future generations
Synchrony’s Values-Based Approach
Synchrony believes that wealth should serve a purpose beyond personal gain. Its charitable wealth planning services are built on a philosophy of values-based financial stewardship. This means:
- Prioritizing personal beliefs in every financial decision
- Encouraging intergenerational conversations about giving and legacy
- Helping clients make intentional, informed choices about their charitable impact
Steps in the Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning Process
- Discovery and Goal Setting
Understanding the client’s values, philanthropic goals, financial situation, and legacy aspirations. - Strategy Design
Identifying the best giving vehicles, tax strategies, and investment plans to meet those goals. - Implementation
Establishing accounts, trusts, or foundations; coordinating with legal and tax advisors. - Ongoing Management and Evaluation
Monitoring investments, making distributions, and ensuring alignment with evolving goals. - Legacy and Education
Engaging family members and developing long-term strategies for multigenerational impact.
Impact Beyond Dollars
While the financial benefits of charitable planning are significant, the emotional and social rewards often outweigh the monetary gains. Clients report greater satisfaction, a deeper sense of purpose, and stronger family cohesion when they engage in intentional philanthropy.
Synchrony also offers tools and workshops to help clients measure and celebrate the impact of their giving—connecting dollars to real-world change.
The Future of Charitable Wealth Planning
As younger generations inherit wealth and prioritize social impact, the demand for integrated charitable planning will only grow. Synchrony is well-positioned to lead in this space, thanks to its combination of financial expertise, personalized service, and values-driven philosophy.
Technological innovations—such as digital giving platforms and AI-powered financial planning tools—will also enhance the ease and precision of charitable wealth management in the years to come.
Conclusion
Synchrony Charitable Wealth Planning is more than just a financial service—it’s a bridge between prosperity and purpose. By helping individuals and families align their wealth with their values, Synchrony empowers clients to make a difference in the world while securing their financial future.
Whether you’re looking to reduce taxes, create a family legacy, or support causes close to your heart, Synchrony provides the tools, expertise, and guidance to ensure your giving is both strategic and impactful.
Now is the time to think beyond wealth accumulation and consider how your resources can help shape a better world—for today, and for generations to come.
