All Giving back Articles

It's no secret that charitable donations can help reduce your tax bill. But if you give something other than the typical cash, check or credit card donation, you'll have some added tax considerations. In recent years, the IRS has toughened many of its deduction rules, especially when it comes to noncash gifts. You'll encounter these more strict statutes if you donate household goods, Read more...

Each December, the "season of giving" expands beyond family and friends. Many gifts also are made to charitable organizations. These donations pay off not only for the nonprofits, but also for the giver, who might be able to use them to arrive at a smaller IRS bill. Some older taxpayers will find giving easier this year. Some folks who donate household goods, however, are going to Read more...

An article in last week’s New York Times reinforced a long-standing thought I have had about charity. The article, by Vikas Bajaj, pointed out that some cities—Boston, Minneapolis and San Diego among them—are “buying foreclosed properties to refurbish and resell them to developers and homeowners in an effort to prevent troubled neighborhoods from sliding into urban decay.” Read more...

I believe that nearly all work is good work, but many people want to do something that more specifically improves the world: Help hurricane victims, the sick, the environment, etc. Yet we don't want to take a vow of poverty. Here are some thoughts on how to do well by doing good. First, realize you can do well without a high income. Contentment comes primarily from doing honorable Read more...

If your mailbox seems especially full these days with requests for donations to the local homeless shelter, environmental causes and food banks, you're not dreaming. Many charities flood the mail with their year-end holiday pitches for your charity dollars. If you're like most Americans, you'll probably pull out your checkbook and send along some money. Every year, nearly 90 percent of Read more...

It's not too late to change the world. You can put your dollars to work to build healthy communities, promote economic equity and clean the environment by selectively choosing where you invest your money. Socially Responsible Investing considers your financial needs and an investment's impact on society. You'll earn competitive returns, but your money will also be working to improve the Read more...

I often marvel at the way computers have further complicated our lives and added to society's excessive commercialism. But recently I came across a computer-driven concept that accomplishes just the opposite effect. It's called Virtual Volunteering, and it's an example of what we can achieve when we use modern technology for the betterment of our community. I first heard of the concept from Read more...

Generosity at year's end is commendable, but it's also when unscrupulous con games surface to take advantage of those charitable urges. Make sure you're dealing with an up-front organization by checking with the Better Business Bureau Philanthropic Advisory Service. A bureau spokesman says reports are developed based on inquiries concerning particular charities or groups. The bureau encourages Read more...