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Holiday Cheer Part III: Do's & Don'ts of Charitable Giving

12/17/2015

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'Tis the season to engage in a little extra charitable giving, and while the vast majority of philanthropies are legitimate, some are not and take advantage of people who may not be savvy about today's online donation protocol, or have difficulty discerning the good ones from the fraudulent.

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Here are 10 Do's & Don'ts of Donating with help from our pals at Grandparents.com:
Do...

...Secure Your Personal Info
Ever wonder why it is that after you make a donation to a single charity, suddenly you’re getting junk mail from 19 others for the next decade?  It's the charity's privacy policy, in the veeerrry small print that allows them to share you information.  "Make sure (their privacy policy) doesn’t sell or trade your name to other organizations," says Stephanie Kalivas,an analyst at CharityWatch.  And if it does call or go online and ask them to remove your name from the list.
Let them know that you will keep giving only if they solicit you just once a year and that you wish to have your name removed from any lists they share.  Any charity/organization that does not abide your clearly stated wishes must be removed from your giving list.
Oh, and of course, when donating online make sure the site is secure by looking for the "s" at the end of the "http" (https means you're now in a secure session that cannot be accessed by hackers).

...Some Financial "Auditing" of Your Own
"You want to look at the charity’s Form 990—the informational tax return that they submit to the IRS. By law, they have to give it to you if you ask," says Sandra Miniutti, Vice President of Marketing at Charity Navigator. "If they’re hesitant to give it to you for any reason, that’s a red flag."
Look at exactly how they use donated funds. "First, know how your money is being used specifically; research?...education?...directly to people in need?" says Kalivas. Second, no more than 25% can go to fundraising and administration (no more than 15% to admin only).
One exception to the 990 rule: Houses of worship (including Salvation Army), don’t have to file them. "MinistryWatch.com does rate churches and big religious groups," says Miniutti, but there are few recognized resources beyond that.

...Be Wary of Solicitations After a Tragedy
Unfortunately, scammers exploit our notable kindness shown when disaster strikes. "The FBI found 4,000 websites all with variations on the name 'Hurricane Katrina' even before it made landfall, and many were run by criminals overseas," says Miniutti.
"In times of disaster, we recommend not going with a small charity or new group," she says. The group may not have bad intentions, but the odds of it having the resources and infrastructure to support a large-scale relief effort aren’t great.
Instead, "We recommend going with charities that have experience in the region." Charity Navigator will always have a list of suggested organizations, like this one for the Syrian refugee crisis.

...Check Their Facebook Page
Whether you’re giving to a major charity or to an individual through crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe and YouCaring, it helps to check out the Facebook page. Not only does it flesh out the charity, but it gives you a glimpse of others supporting the cause. "Just keep in mind that the Facebook page is being manned by the charity itself," cautions Kalivas. "It’s probably promotional," meaning the negatives won’t necessarily be on display. 
Miniutti, recommends returning to their webpage to make your donation vs donating on any social media site.

...Beware When Giving "In-Kind" Donations
...like clothes, food, furniture. Contact the charity first to learn if it’s something they can use; charities spend a lot of money disposing of things they can’t use.
But, there are scams with in-kind donations, too: some thrift stores and roadside bins are run by for-profit companies; both must clearly state how the clothing donations are being used, and if it’s a non-profit - or they don't get your goods.
Goodwill and The Salvation Army were named by both women as reputable in-kind donation groups.

Don't...
...Give to Cold Callers
"Generally speaking, those calls are being done by a for-profit telemarketer contracted with the charity, and typically they negotiate contracts that are not favorable to the charities," says Miniutti. Up to 95 cents of every donated dollar can go to the telemarketers. 
"We recommend politely hanging up the phone," and don’t give the caller any personal data—especially your social security number or credit card information. Never, ever send cash. "If you’re passionate about the cause, find a reputable charity’s website, and give directly to them."she says

.
...Be Fooled By "Sound Alikes"
"Sound-alike names are both intentional and accidental because there are one million public charities," says Miniutti. "The scammers will play on that." In other words, you may think you’re giving to Make-a-Wish Foundation, when really you’re donating to Kids Wish Network, Children’s Wish Foundation International, or Wishing Well Foundation USA, all three of which land high on the Tampa Bay Times’ authoritative list of America’s Worst Charities. 
The good news; earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brought charges against four sound-alike cancer groups that conned philanthropists out of a collective $187 million.

...Give In To Sob Stories or Jerks
A legitimate group—one that knows what they’re doing--won’t coerce you to donate with high-pressure sales tactics or outsized tales of woe. Granted, those appeals can be tough to take. Says Miniutti: "Somebody calling at dinner time to help sick kids, help our heroes, or fight cancer—who doesn’t want to help these people?"
Remember, though: Unscrupulous solicitors rely on that sympathy to make their pitch. Never, ever donate right away, especially during a phone call solicitation, and if you are interested in the essential cause, ask the caller to mail you information for perusal later.

...Give Simply Because They Sent You a Gift
Receiving a blanket or a calendar, does not mean you have to give to that charity. You can choose not to for a number of reasons.
"Keep in mind, these gifts increase fundraising expenses," adds Kalivas, who encourages you to ask yourself: "Do you want your money going towards programs or these fundraising gifts?"  Or you may have given to other causes closer to your heart; either way, don't be guilted into giving.

...Confuse "tax exempt" with "tax deductible"
"'Tax exempt' and 'tax deductible' aren’t the same thing," says Kalivas. "Any non-profit is going to be tax exempt, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to write off your donation as a tax deduction." 
Donations to tax exempt groups that are registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) are deductible. On the other hand, political action committees (PACs) are tax exempt, but your donation to them is not deductible.
When in doubt, go to the IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check and search for your chosen charity. You’ll have your answer in seconds.

You have been officially alerted....
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Holiday Cheer Part II: 8 Holiday Myths & Factoids

12/10/2015

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To our Jewish listeners:
Happy Hannukah...er...Channukah...uh...Hanukah...um...Chanukah


Oh, however it's spelled, hope you're having a delightful one...

Now that the "turkey makes you sleepy" Thanksgiving myth as been debunked (turkey contains no more tryptophan than any other animal...it's how much you eat that does it...particularly all those simple carbs...), we're doing you the same favor when it comes to Christmas: separating fact from fiction.

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With thanks to our pals at Next Avenue, here's 8 of the top beliefs we have about the holidays, separated in the "true" and "false" categories:
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True

Holiday eating causes weight gain...
Many people do gain weight over the six-week holiday period from Thanksgiving through New Year. But maybe not as much as you think. One recent study reports an average weight gain of a little less than two pounds, and even if the scale doesn’t change, you may put on more body fat.

Primary culprits are eating more than your usual 3 times per day, and skipping meals like breakfast; also not eating prior to a party to "save up calories" for the feast will actually cause you to eat more when you get there.

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The Number of Falls & Fires Go Up
While not particularly common, falls from ladders and roofs do go up over the holidays (string some lights, anyone?!). So please be extra careful hanging those outdoor lights, stringing the tree as you get to the top, and when taking down all the lights.

Fires from candles also spike—December is the peak time of the year for home fires caused by candles. Make sure you keep candles at least a foot from anything that could catch fire—and make sure you blow them all out completely before bedtime.

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Heart Attacks are More Common This Time of Year
This is particularly germane for we Boomers given our higher rate of risks factors (heart disease, high BP, and obesity).

First, heart attacks are more common in winter than summer, in part because cold weather can increase blood pressure and other risk factors in people with heart conditions.

Then there’s something about Christmas week that’s especially dangerous. Even in mild Los Angeles & Florida, heart attack deaths start rising after Thanksgiving, climb through Christmas, and peak around New Year’s Day—and then fall again in January and February. 

So if you or someone you know has heart disease or significant risk factors, pay special attention to eating right, getting exercise, getting enough sleep, and keeping stress low. Big meals high in fat and salt can pose risks. Pay attention to side effects, too, since what may feel like heartburn or indigestion could be signs of a heart attack.

False

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Poinsettias are Toxic

“You’ve heard you have to be really careful, especially around children and pets, but the truth is poinsettias aren’t linked to any significant problems,” says Rachel Vreeman, MD, MS, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine and co-author of Don’t Swallow Your Gum: Myths, Half Truths, and Downright Lies About Your Body and Health.

One review of 23,000 cases in which people called the Poison Control Center found no deaths and no significant poisoning. Studies show a child of 50 pounds would have to eat 500 leaves or so to get really sick.


Similarly, mistletoe berries, while not really edible, aren’t particularly toxic to people, according to the New York Times. Both plants also have low toxicity for children and animals.

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Suicides Go Up
In truth, the suicide rate in December is the lowest of any month of the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “People actually have more emotional and social support during this time of year, and there are fewer psychiatric visits and fewer suicide attempts,” says Dr. Vreeman.

It’s true around the world, too. “We don’t see suicide peaks in the cold, dark winter months—in fact, the rates peak in the warmer months.” Perhaps T.S. Eliot was right about April being the cruelest month…


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It's the Sugar That Makes Kids Hyperactive
Nope....

“Sugar has been studied better than many drugs. There are at least 12 randomized controlled studies, and in study after study, whether they look at juice or natural sugar or candy or chocolate, there is no effect on kids’ behavior.”However, research does show that if parents think their kids have had sugar, they’ll rate their children’s behavior as worse. They did so even with kids who were given sugar-free beverages. But, when strangers were shown videotapes of the kids, they didn’t notice any behavioral changes in the sugar eaters. 

So why do kids eat sweets and act crazy? “It’s not the sweets, it's the party atmosphere; there are other kids around, the rules have changed, there may be different bedtimes...” says Dr. Vreeman.  But because these happen to be the occasions at which kids also eat sugary foods, the sugar gets the blame....erroneously.

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New Year's Eve is the Most Dangerous Night to Drive
Actually, the most dangerous days of the year for fatal car crashes are July 4th, Memorial Day and Labor Day; in some years Thanksgiving has surpassed New Year's eve as well.
Still, it is riskier to drive on New Year’s than on other days of the year, so it’s a good day to stay home if you can. And there are plenty of car crashes in the days leading up to Christmas, so be extra careful while doing all that extra driving for gift hunting.

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There's a Cure for Hangovers
Nope...That includes artichokes, aspirin, bananas, Vegemite, various drugs and herbs, and many, many things.

There is a bit of evidence that the cysteine in eggs - an amino acid - might help the body clear out toxic alcohol metabolites, though. “An egg sandwich might be a good way to go when you have a hangover, but it’s still a stretch,” says Dr. Vreeman.

As for dropping a raw egg yolk into that mysterious tonic your brother recommends for the day after, skip it: Raw eggs can carry salmonella. And getting food poisoning is the last thing you want right now.

The only cure for a hangover is to not consume mass quantities of alcohol so you don't get one in the first place.

You have been officially alerted....

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Holiday Cheer Part I: 6 Unique Gift Ideas

12/3/2015

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Whether gift shopping for someone who already has it all, so what the heck can you get him/her, or looking for something different to give this year, having options that are personal and unique can come in mighty handy.

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Boomer Nation! to the rescue!  Here's 6 gift ideas that do just that:
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Get someone an experience you know they'll love or always wanted to have - Some ideas...
  • Hot air balloon ride
  • Cooking class
  • Day at the spa
  • Theater tickets
  • Photography class
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Tickets to a gallery opening at a local museum
  • Wine tasting

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Pre-pay for a service the recipient would love
Anticipating a recipient’s need and paying for it is a terrific way to say "happy holiday!"  It proves you’re thinking considering ways to make someone’s life easier rather than taking a stab at something you're not sure they'll like or need.
Some ideas...
  • a full car detail
  • a few hours of housecleaning or baby sitting
  • a lawn or pool servicing
  • a home or office organizing service
  • a mani/pedi
Another beautiful option in this category; if you’re short on cash, you could be the one to give service – babysitting for a friend who hasn’t had a night out in a while, or making a few freezer meals to keep on hand. In fact, the best gifts aren’t things, but the willingness to pitch in and lend a hand.

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A Subcription
Whether it’s to a magazine or daily newspaper, or a monthly item connected to a passion they have, subscription services can suit any budget and offer recipients something to look forward to year 'round.
The majority of these services offer gift subscriptions at a variety of price points, so you can choose the number of months your recipient receives something to meet your spending preferences.
Some ideas...
  • Beauty-Obsessed: Ipsy, $10 per month
  • Fitness Friend: JackedPack, $10 per month
  • Moms: Box Me Mommy, $21 per month
  • The Crafty: Darby Smart, $12 per month
  • Dog Lover: Paws and Play, $15 per month
  • The Foodie: Goody Gorilla, $15 per month
My Subscription Addiction is a great resource to find boxes for just about any interest and budget.

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A Membership
Another gift that keeps on giving. Gifting a membership means your recipient gets access to certain perks, usually for a year.
Some ideas...
  • Netflix
  • Amazon Prime
  • Costco or BJ's
  • AAA
  • Fitness center
  • for friends with kids/grandkids, a membership to a local children’s museum
Not sure where to start? Choose a club or association that represents an interest of your recipient, and then contact that association to ask if there’s a gift membership available for purchase. Every time recipients access those membership benefits, they’re going to think of you.

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Something Personalized
A personal touch might mean the difference between just another gift and something truly meaningful. When you give something that is engraved, embroidered, or otherwise designed specifically for your recipient, you prove that you’ve put a little extra thought and effort into finding the perfect gift.
And, it doesn’t even need to be big or expensive.
Some ideas...
  • A key chain stamped with all of the important dates for their family, like anniversaries and birthdays. 
  • A leather journal or day planner embossed with your recipient’s name
  • Apiece of jewelry with they're initial

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Something(s) for Luxuriating
...many of which can be surprisingly inexpensive...less than $50; stores like Marshall's and Ross sell many items in this category at a steep discount. 
Start with your recipient's favorite things to do for relaxation and then come up with a few little luxuries would make this even more enjoyable.
Some ideas...
  • a mink-soft blanket with a DVD and a tin of popcorn for a night in
  • slipper socks wrapped with a few fun treats along with a pedicure set.
  • A down-filled pillow for the nap-obsessed
  • a fragrance sample box for a luxury brand-loving friend
  • a soft scarf for a family member who’s perpetually cold
  • bath pillow and salts
These little luxuries show that you’re paying attention and want the people in your life to feel both special and comfortable.

You have been officially alerted....

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