There’s a common misconception that cash is a risk-free investment. Some investors find emotional comfort in building cash stockpiles even though they’re ignoring the daily effects of inflation. On the other hand, no one denies the increased cost of living that we each witness over our lifetime, as the example of milk pricing demonstrates above. The challenge? Avoid acting on emotion and leaving large sums of cash on the sidelines. Trust in a well-designed investment plan to provide for your future and offset the effects of inflation.

Warren Buffett attributes part of his success to what he calls winning the Ovarian Lottery. He was born to parents in the U.S. who supported him and he grew up at a time when his financial skills at allocating capital provided great rewards.

My wife, Lynn, and I agree with his assessment and believe that luck has been a huge part of our lives. That belief is at the core of why we support children’s charities. Our two favorites, described below, give kids who aren’t ovarian lottery winners a better chance at living a good life.

Angels’ Arms keeps foster siblings together by furnishing homes and providing resources for foster parents. Founded in 2000, Angels Arms currently has 10 homes located throughout the St. Louis area.

Epworth Children’s Home provides housing, education and counseling to children of ages 12-20 who suffered abuse or neglect. More than 5,300 youth and families turn to Epworth each year for emergency shelter, family reunification therapy, transitional and independent living programs, special education, foster family care, prevention services and a 24-hour help line.

I often find inspiration in charities that demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and make a real difference early on in their lifespan; imagine my pride when I witnessed that first-hand in a charity started by my own nephew, Newell Hill.

I was fortunate to participate in a local event last month hosted by his charity: Keys 4/4 Kids. They are founded on the principle that music inspires kids to believe in themselves, so they set out to promote arts education and mentorship through various efforts that connect kids with music. Newell founded the charity in 2000, working out of his parents’ basement. They’ve since grown to four retail locations where they sell donated pianos to fund their work with kids. In the picture above, you see me with Newell at St. Louis’ renowned Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital where children painted a Keys 4/4 Kids piano as part of The Ellen Project.