Stephen Reiches – How to Go From Writing a Check to Being Strategic About Philanthropy
Shari interviews real people with real stories who have embraced their core values to make life decisions. We hope that their stories will inspire you to Maximize Your Return on Life.
In this episode, Shari talks with her husband of 35+ years, Stephen Reiches, about strategic charitable giving. Stephen has 15 years of experience as an estate planning attorney with the Chicago law firm Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg. His deep knowledge of estate law and planning strategies enhances the comprehensive advisory services he helped provide at Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, before joining EP Wealth Advisors in 2025.
Most often people make donations by writing a check. Stephen and Shari discuss more tax-efficient ways to give, such as donating appreciated stock, using a Donor Advised Fund and making Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA. They also talk about legacy giving (gifts effective upon death).
Stephen also shares how he invests in his values.
Shari Greco Reiches is Regional Director and Partner at EP Wealth Advisors. In 2005, Shari co-founded Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. She is the architect of the firm's Investing In Your Values solution, which aligns clients' financial planning with their core values. She is a frequent speaker on financial planning and values, author of Maximize Your Return on Life - Invest Your Time and Money in What You Value Most and enjoys mentoring women in the wealth management profession. Please connect with Shari. She loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and Barry Manilow.