Meet Dani

Dani Richter, Director of Philanthropy at the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, has been helping Floridians make an impact for the past five years. A Tampa Bay native, Dani grew up fishing its waters and developed a lifelong love for Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. She now combines her expertise in philanthropy with her passion for conservation and is excited to answer your questions. Contact her at [email protected].

April 2025

Dear Dani,

I’ll admit it, I waited until the last minute to file my taxes and I’m literally doing them tonight. Before I hit submit, is there anything simple I can do that might help me, or future me, financially or charitably? Or am I too late?

—Last-Minute Filer, Tampa, FL

Dear Last-Minute Filer,

First of all, you are in very good company. Tax Day has a way of sneaking up on all of us.

The good news is that while most tax-saving moves have deadlines, there is still one incredibly simple step you can take tonight that does not require spreadsheets, receipts, or a call to your accountant. Your future self will absolutely thank you for it.

Take five minutes to check or update the beneficiaries on your accounts.

I am talking about things like your IRA, 401(k), or even a life insurance policy. These designations quietly override whatever is written in your will, and most people set them once and never look back.

Here is why this matters, especially around tax time:

Retirement accounts are often taxed heavily when passed to loved ones. But when left to a nonprofit like the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, those same dollars can go to work fully for conservation instead of being reduced by taxes.

And before this starts to sound complicated, it is not. You do not need to change everything or make a big commitment. You can simply name the Foundation as a partial or contingent beneficiary, even for a small percentage.

That is it. No paperwork tonight. No cost. No impact on your current finances.

Just a quick update that turns a last-minute tax night into a thoughtful step toward your legacy.

So go ahead, file those taxes. And before you close your laptop, give your future self a little high five.

Dani
Director of Philanthropy
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida