Which approach will save more in taxes, contributing stocks/mutual funds from my personal investment account or a QCD from my traditional IRA, my age is 71.

[Bsch4477]

If you don’t need the income from your IRA the advantage of the QCD is that it reduces your AGI while not being taxed. 

[DawnC]

It depends.  A QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) usually produces a better tax outcome — especially if:

• You use the standard deduction (don’t itemize deductions)
• You’re subject to RMDs
• You want to keep your AGI lower

But there are situations where donating appreciated stock.  If you itemize and donate stock you held over 1 year, you can deduct the fair market value (FMV) and avoid capital gains tax.  But it doesn't reduce your RMD.

QCD

Capital Gains