PERSONAL ACCOUNT

As Christmas approaches, this tax-efficient option is an underrated way to give

Cheer up. Brexit may be the worst kind of turkey right now, but Christmas is officially on its way. Now there are fewer than 40 shopping days to go, some will be eager to get a head start on their present buying, but it’s also the perfect moment to stand back, remember the spirit of the season and start planning how you will give to charity.

Just as you wouldn’t make an investment decision without proper consideration, donations of your hard-earned money shouldn’t be made lightly either. Giving well is just as important as saving and investing well.

Of course, researching charities and looking into approaches to giving can be time consuming. If you need to save time, you might consider joining this year’s

Christmas Charity Appeal. Our latest annual appeal, launched this week, continues a proud, three-decade-long tradition in which we identify causes that deserve your support. Over the past 28 years the Christmas appeal has raised tens of millions of pounds for 84 carefully chosen charities. Last year alone, you helped us raise more than half a million pounds.

For 2018 we have chosen charities concerned with mental health, one of the biggest topics of the year.

Changing Faces, which offers advice and support for people with visible differences, is Britain’s leading charity for everyone with a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different.

The Fire Fighters Charity, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, offers psychological support to firefighters after major incidents, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster.

And Young Minds provides support services to parents and carers to help prevent young people coming to harm. Its free helpline for parents takes about 1,100 calls every month from people concerned about the mental health of their children.

To donate to the Christmas appeal, you can call 0151 284 1927 or give online at telegraph. ctdonate.org.

On Sunday Dec 2, the will be hosting its traditional phonein day, giving donors a chance to call in and speak with a member of staff – including some of our best-known contributors. In the past, those taking telephone donations from readers have included cartoonist Matt Pritchett, columnist Allison Pearson and writer Bryony Gordon. You might even encounter a Telegraph Money writer.

Make the taxman donate too . . .

Actor Jason Watkins with the Bryony Gordon and Toffee from Canine Partners, manning the phones for last year’s appeal