We’re quickly approaching the holiday season, which means time for family, friends, shopping … and scams. According to the FBI, every year, thousands of people become victims of holiday scams, which can rob you of hard-earned money, personal information and your festive mood. This week on Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth™, Jean, Soledad and wealth planner John McCafferty talk about the different scams to be aware of and how to help protect yourself against them. Later in the episode, since it’s near year-end and many people have questions about minimizing potential tax liability, the hosts and wealth planner Isabel Barrow take a call from listener Bernie, who has a question about using a Qualified Charitable Donation to his alma mater. Then, it’s the season for gift giving, and Soledad, Jean and Edelman Financial Engines planner Jason Cowans discuss how your holiday purchases can serve a bigger purpose – specifically, with gifts that support charities or help a loved one with important financial goals.

This show is pre-recorded, and any callers are prescreened.

Ms. Chatzky and Ms. O’Brien receive cash compensation for acting as hosts of the Everyday Wealth radio show and podcast and for related activities and therefore have an incentive to endorse Edelman Financial Engines and its planners. That compensation is a fixed sum paid on an annual basis; and reimbursement for certain expenses. The amount paid each year does not vary, is not based on show content or any results-dependent factors (e.g., popularity of the show).

Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to include your qualified tax and/or legal professionals in these discussions and decisions to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.

Hypothetical illustrations described are meant to demonstrate the principle of compound interest and are not representative of past or future results of any specific investment vehicle.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode #205: Legends of the Skinwalker