Giving back to the community is important for Matthew Klatsky and his wife, Lindsay. The couple has been heavily involved in Jewish Baltimore since settling in Baltimore 10 years ago. Recently, Matthew has been bringing his passion and focus to The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore to help guide families on charitable funding.

Tell me a little about yourself and what you do.

I am originally from New Jersey and went to University of Maryland. Following college, my wife and I lived in Manhattan for about ten years until we moved here to raise our two children, Jordan (11) and Madison (8).

My team, The Frank and Klatsky Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, is run by my partner, David Frank, and myself. I am a wealth manager and my focus is on generational preservation and transfer of wealth.

What brought you to The Associated? 

When we moved to Maryland, The Associated was an immediate outlet for my family both professionally and personally as we were getting involved in the community. I got more and more involved and I haven’t looked back since.

Recently my focus has been via donor-advised funds. The donor-advised funds have been an area for me to be help people realize efficiency in their charitable giving.

I understand you went on the Men’s Mission to Israel last March. 

I had never been to Israel before, but knew it was a great group of people and an experience that I could not pass up. It wasn’t your typical Israel trip. We did a lot of volunteer work, such as picking produce at a farm which donates all the harvested food to Project Leket, the National Food Bank in Israel.

In Tel Aviv we met Hagal Sheli which is funded via a grant from The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). They run a program to help disadvantaged teens living on the streets. The program uses surfing as a vehicle for personal growth and advancement. We spent the day with the organization and surfed with the teens and learned how the program is helping them to make a difference in their community.

We also spent an entire day in Ashkelon, our sister city. While we saw a lot, there is still so much more to see and I know it won’t take me 41 years to return.

What do you think is the value to giving back? 

I think giving back to the community should encompass both time and money and one does not have to be greater than the other. It also depends on what resources you have and where your passions strike a chord. For me, giving back is helping in both of those avenues.

What strikes a chord with you? 

My passion towards The Associated is my admiration of how efficient they are in helping large and small both inside and outside the Jewish community.

Financial advising, what do you enjoy about it? 

For me there is nothing more rewarding than sitting down with a family and helping them uncover unfound paths of efficiencies in their life. It is very rewarding to know that we have a really good grasp on all that’s going on in their lives and knowing that their financial future will be secure.

I try to provide our clients the advice which they deserve. I think that’s a powerful statement. I also know that everybody has the same end-game goal, which is retirement. I tell my clients “I’m only telling you to retire because I have confidence that you are not going to have to change your lifestyle or go back to work.”

What makes you recommend people to The Associated? 

When you use The Associated’s donor-advised funds and charitable gifting channels, you are getting more than just a vehicle to help you accomplish your charitable needs. You’re also getting a lot of expertise and thought leadership. The Associated is there to help support your family in deciding how best to spread that capital and that doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Through The Associated you may find areas that are in need of money and your services. The Associated helps families find new avenues that will make a difference in this world.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

In the summer I enjoy playing golf & sailing. In the winter I spend time with my family and enjoy snowboard with my children. My wife and I love to travel with our family and experience the world.

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to? 

I’d have to say Manhattan. That’s the default answer for my family. But as long as my unit of four is with me, I’m happy.