Since I have been holding seminars and assisting devotees and congregational members with financial planning, it has become clear that more information and understanding is required. When I see a project like the "Palace of Gold" I think how will this be maintained for the next two hundred years? Has anyone established a fund to generate future monetary requirements? When devotees receive inheritance money are they receiving good experienced advise to go along with it? When I see large donations going to various projects and ISKCON centers are the donors using the most "tax advantaged vehicles" available? When I see devotees reluctant to invest money in sound investment vehicles due to a lack of understanding I question why? Even more disturbing to me is to hear of devotees being duped into a "get rich quick" investment scheme.
By the arrangement of Krishna and the guidance of Srila Prabhupada I understand proper and insightful counseling is needed for both individual devotees, temples and projects as well. As a qualified, licensed and experience Financial Advisor I have made it my service to assist devotees in whatever way possible for them better manage and deal with financial concerns.
Regarding charitable financial planning, we have started the Vedic Community Foundation (a non profit 501c3 organization) www.vedic-cf.org to provide information and assistance for both donors and charitable projects.
If you have further questions please feel free to contact me at kgd@vedic-cf.org
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