[snakebittexan]

If we can assume that the "rich" are either intelligent (big leap) or have access to intelligent tax advice, can't we can rule out charitable contributions as an effective piece of your financial plan? You give $100,000 to your favirite charity and your taxes are reduced by $28,000 so your tax savings cost you $62,000. How "intelligent" is that? That by default, takes us back to philanthropy for philanthropies sake.