Introduction
We're excited to share that Phoenix Hafen, the Director of Advisor Solutions at UI Charitable, recently appeared as a guest on The Exit, hosted by Steve McGarry. The conversation centered on a topic that doesn't get enough attention in the business exit world: how charitable planning can become a meaningful part of a founder's exit strategy, and why UI Charitable was a natural voice to bring into that discussion.
About the Podcast
The Exit, presented by Flippa, is a podcast built for entrepreneurs and business owners navigating the acquisition and sale of their companies. The show is known for candid, practical conversations with founders, advisors, and dealmakers who share firsthand insight into what it actually takes to prepare for and execute a successful exit.
Episode Highlights
In this episode, Phoenix discussed:
Why donating appreciated assets — rather than cash — can be significantly more tax efficient, and how that plays into exit planning
How donor advised funds work, including how contributed business interests are valued and what happens to those assets once they're inside a fund
How founders can think beyond traditional giving by donating less conventional assets like real estate, Bitcoin, private investments, and even crypto mining equipment ahead of a major liquidity event
Key Takeaways
Why appreciated assets can be more tax efficient than cash
How donor advised funds work
Planning charitable giving before a business exit
Why timing matters when making a donation
How donated business interests are valued
Using real estate, Bitcoin, and other alternative assets
Avoiding common charitable planning mistakes
Growing charitable assets tax free
Why It Matters
This conversation reflects exactly what UI Charitable is here to do: help business owners, advisors, and donors think creatively and strategically about philanthropy, especially when it comes to complex and appreciated assets. Waiting until a deal is about to close often means missing the opportunity to give as effectively as possible — Phoenix's conversation on The Exit is a reminder that charitable planning deserves a seat at the table early, alongside every other exit decision.
Listen and Learn More
Listen to the full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tax-efficient-exit-how-charitable-giving-can/id1532346146?i=1000785449754
Learn more about The Exit: flippa.com/the-exit-podcast
Learn more about Phoenix Hafen: linkedin.com/in/phoenix-hafen
Learn more about the host, Steve McGarry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestevemcgarry/
Learn more about UI Charitable: uicharitable.org/learnmore
To learn more about on how to optimize your business exit for both your charitable goals and tax savings reach out to the UI Charitable team here.
