Reported fraud losses increased more than 70% from 2020 to 2021. The Federal Trade Commission received over 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 representing more than $5.8 billion in losses to fraud. There are multitudes of methods aimed at unsuspecting citizens. Some of these include people trying to collect money for various things [...]
By: Brandi B. Graham, CTFA, CFP® Reported fraud losses increased more than 70% from 2020 to 2021. The Federal Trade Commission received over 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 representing more than $5.8 billion in losses to fraud. There are multitudes of methods aimed at unsuspecting citizens. Some of these include [...]
Written by: Brandi B. Graham, CTFA, CFP® Talking about cognitive decline may be difficult, but avoiding the topic can be financially devastating. We have all heard stories about the elderly person who paid thousands of dollars to “help a grandchild who was in an out of state accident” only to find out the grandchild was [...]
Written by: Brandi B. Graham, CFP®, CTFA I remember standing in line behind a close friend of mine 20 years ago when she was writing a check to pay for her groceries. I asked her why she did not use her credit card. She said she did not want people to think she “had to [...]
By Brandi B. Graham, CFP®, CTFA Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Criminals are taking advantage of the pandemic and have found new ways to steal from you. Beware of fraudulent unemployment claims. With the added incentive of $600 per week last summer and now $300 per week for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation assistance, fraudulent unemployment [...]
By Brandi Graham, CFP®, CTFA With increased standard deductions, more taxpayers are finding they are no longer able to deduct cash contributions to charities on their tax returns. Are you looking for smarter ways to maximize your charitable gifts while minimizing taxes? Read on for some strategic methods to give more effectively. DON’T [...]
Updated August 3, 2022 By: Brandi Graham, CTFA, CFP®, Senior Advisor If you make gifts to charity and are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your individual retirement account (IRA), you may be able to reduce your Medicare premium. If you’re wondering what Medicare premiums and charitable giving have to do [...]
By Brandi Graham, CTFA, CFP® Everyone knows proactive is better than reactive. Then why is it most families don’t talk about aging until a sudden health crisis occurs? Chances are you spent some time with your family members this holiday season. You may have noticed Aunt Mary’s house wasn’t as clean as it usually [...]
In the Aftermath of the Tax Reform and Jobs Act of 2017 Your Advisor May Now Be Able to Help You: Reduce Your Taxes, Maximize Your Savings & Achieve Your Philanthropic Goals During Your Retirement Years Brandi Graham, CTFA, CFP® and Cynthia Rivera, JD The benefits of savvy strategic planning are significantly greater today as we [...]
If you do, reviewing your QCD strategy this Tax Season should be a priority... Kathryn W. Gerwig, CFP® Senior Advisor As you complete your 2017 income tax returns, keep in mind some tax provisions that will possibly be more important for 2018 and future years’ tax planning. In 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act [...]
