Wendy Goldberg has spent nearly 30 years helping clients make smart financial decisions. As a CPA and founder of her own practice, she brings a deeply personal and practical approach to advising clients—especially when it comes to aligning financial planning with philanthropic intent.

One tool she often discusses is the Individual Retirement Account (IRA). “For many people, their IRA represents one of the largest pools of untapped charitable potential,” Goldberg explains. “Especially as people reach retirement age and face required minimum distributions (RMDs), they’re asking how to do something more meaningful with these funds.”

Goldberg regularly partners with Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) to help clients make charitable gifts directly from their IRAs. These qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) can be sent straight from a financial institution to a nonprofit like TJF, allowing donors to reduce their taxable income and increase the impact of their giving.

“People don’t always realize this is an option,” Goldberg notes. “But once they understand the tax benefits and the opportunity to support causes they care about—without ever touching the money—it’s a game-changer.” She explains that IRA distributions can be directed during one’s lifetime to create or grow an endowment fund, providing ongoing support to a specific organization or cause. Additionally, individuals can name a charitable beneficiary for their IRA, and after their lifetime, those funds can be used to establish a donor-advised fund (DAF) for their children or grandchildren—allowing the next generation to carry on their philanthropic values.

Goldberg also emphasizes that charitable conversations shouldn’t wait until retirement. “If we begin talking about legacy early—when people first open their IRAs—it helps shape a philanthropic mindset,” she says. “You can even include charitable beneficiaries in your estate plan now and update it later.”

Her advice to those feeling overwhelmed by the process? Start simple. “Define what you want your legacy to be. Then talk with your family and professional advisors,” she says. “You don’t have to figure it all out today. Just take the first step.”

For Goldberg, philanthropy is personal and deeply rewarding. “It’s one thing to advise people on giving,” she reflects, “but to actually see how a gift changes lives and strengthens community—it’s beautiful.”

To learn how you can use your IRA to support the Jewish community now and for future generations, contact Tidewater Jewish Foundation at foundation.jewishva.org or call 757-965-6100.