How do you give back? Last week, Brad Formsma spoke at the Southeast Family Office Forum (SEFOF). He is the author of the book I Like Giving. He gave us practical ideas on how to give. There are seven ways to live generously: Words, Thoughts, Influence, Time, Attention, Belonging, and Money. He asked how can we incorporate giving into everyday life and inspire others to do the same. Through his stories of “I like _____” he showed us examples of how to give.

Like a family's balance sheet, life presents us with various forms of capital (intellectual, social, human, spiritual) and liabilities (death, illness, black swan events, or financial change).  Just as financial statements include assets and debts, our lives are composed of moments that encompass tragedies and joys. These contrasting elements, like different forms of capital and liabilities, shape the overall picture of our journey. We find richness and depth in the delicate balance between these experiences. This is Beverly Lacy Hoge’s story behind his purpose.