Podcasts about charitable

The One Big Beautiful Bill has been in effect for a year — but are taxpayers actually seeing the benefits? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Christina Lamb break down the latest tax changes, including larger standard deductions, new rules for tips and overtime, the senior deduction, charitable giving updates, and the expanded SALT deduction. They also explain the newly launched Trump Accounts, including who may qualify for the $1,000 government contribution, how these accounts compare to 529 plans and custodial Roth IRAs, and why families should understand the rules before contributing. Plus, Joel and Christina discuss current market headlines, strong earnings season results, rising margin debt, leveraged ETFs, cryptocurrency volatility, and why investors should stay disciplined even when markets feel strong. If you want to better understand how recent tax law changes, family savings options, and investment risks may affect your financial plan, this episode is for you. Topics covered include: Trump Accounts, the One Big Beautiful Bill, 2026 tax deductions, senior tax planning, charitable giving rules, SALT deduction changes, earnings season, leveraged ETFs, margin debt, bitcoin volatility, and long-term investment discipline. 

The rhythm of being an independent journalist who strives to cover a lot of ground sometimes is affected by alternate beats. The last two Saturdays have not been favorable to produce a new audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement so archive editions went out. But now it is time for the July 18, 2026 edition. I'm Sean Tubbs. This week's return to the usual studio means more ability to focus so there are stories from all six localities on the same topic. Then there are some two stories from the week before I am only just getting around to completing.This work is made possible by paid subscribers and the ratio is just below one in five at the moment. I'm grateful for those with means to support the time and research that goes into this public service.In this edition:* Fluvanna Supervisors are the first in the region to initiate a process for a ballot question(read the story)* Louisa County Supervisors pull sales tax referendum resolution from agenda (read the story)* Greene Supervisors support sales tax referendum requested by Greene School Board (read the story)* Nelson Supervisors also vote to proceed with the referendum for school construction (read the story)* Albemarle County Supervisors vote to move forward and this story won't be printed until Monday so hear it here first!* Charlottesville City Council discusses the finer points of how to use revenue from a sales tax increase to finance school construction (read the story)* Albemarle Supervisors make brief announcements on Biscuit Run Trail, drought watch, and federal housing bill (read the story)* Albemarle and Charlottesville transportation planners identify next locations for further study (read the story)* Charlottesville City Council reviews process for funding nonprofit agencies (read the story)New here? Go ahead and sign if you want to learn more about what's happening in local and regional government around Charlottesville First sponsored message: Panorama Natural BurialAt Panorama Natural Burial, we believe caring for the deceased can be simple, meaningful, and deeply connected to the natural world. As a natural burial ground just outside Charlottesville, we offer families an alternative to traditional burial that honors both the people we love and the land that will carry them forward.Whether you are planning ahead, navigating a recent loss, or are just curious about natural burial, we welcome the conversation. We host regular tours and community events throughout the year. At Panorama we are building new ways of understanding death, land, ecology, ritual, memory, and community. We believe that building community around death care helps us all to live fuller lives. We are open to the public daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Come visit!Second message: An improvised bit about the state of shout-outs and the likeWill the words written here match what I say in the audio version? I don't know. I've not done the narration yet. In addition to paid subscriptions, I diversify revenue coming in through a lot of different forms of advertising, underwriting, sponsorship and so on. The Piedmont Environmental Council has been sponsoring the Week Ahead since the beginning, for instance.In the early days, some people opted for a $25 month tier or more on Patreon which got them a shout-out. Many of the shout-outs you see come from just that, though that's no longer being offered. Others came through combinations like having a paid Substack subscription and Patreon member. That worked for a while but I've simplified.Several have taken me up on an advertising package that offers placements at the top of the newsletter, in the two “shout-out” slots, and in visual ads on Information Charlottesville. I only send this out on request at this point because I'm at a point where I am trying to figure out things like inventory and scheduling and trying to ascertain audience. Are people really reading?In any case, yes, they are, and that makes me work harder to keep it going and that includes offering additional ways to support.* Charitable gifts can be made to the Tiny News Collective and those are being directed to hiring additional people to assist me in the near future.* Patreon still exists as a way to contribute to the business, but this may in the future become something more artistic if I get up the courage to try to make music for an audience. It will be weird all the same.* Share stories on social media! Add a comment and share your thoughts as you do! The whole point of this is to spread information and discussion.Thank you to all of the advertisers and sponsors and readers and more!An experimental to read only paid subscriptions I'm toying with the idea of making the epilogue something only paid subscribers can read. Or a portion of it each time. Perhaps “behind the scenes” stuff should be for those who have decided to take a stake in it by paying? I'm not sure. Substack only started offering this up this time. And I'm not sure if I have any real “bonus” content here except to say that sometimes the soundbites in the audio version have extra phrases in them. This is because I try to not run quotes run too long. I can also say I am so glad to finally get this edition done. Two weeks ago I had to turn in the WTJU version a day early and I didn't have time to record new stories. I also figured July 4 was a good day for an archive.The next week I was out of town and not in a place where it was easy to record audio. I'm grateful to be back in a place where all of my stuff is and where I can fix issues as they come up. Anyway, I'm grateful you're paying into this. I hope you'll keep doing so. If you do have concerns about the subscription or what to switch to a different form of support, drop me a line. Hooray! This edition is done! This post has a very small amount of bonus content for paid subscribers. Behind the scenes stuff. Upgrade to get full access and to support the work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Emily came to us with a question today about her housekeeper and how to not make things awkward when asking her a question. Of course we had out thoughts but turned to the one that would know best, Sky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2011, the Ugandan Government asked The Giving Circle in Saratoga to visit a village referred to as “the forgotten people – the poorest village in Uganda.” The Giving Circle responded by improving sanitation, building a school, a nursing/midwife clinic, and a communal kitchen for shared meals. They worked with the residents to set up sustainable farming to provide badly needed income. In 2014 The Giving Circle stepped in to help a struggling primary school in Kagoma, Uganda. Ron Deutsch talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the Giving Circle's recent trip to Uganda.

The year is not over — but it is moving. In part one of the Mid-Year Money Check-In, Shari looked at cash flow, cash reserves, savings, investing, retirement accounts, and whether your money is actually doing what you want it to do. Now in part two, we are looking ahead. Because a lot of financial stress does not come from true surprises. It comes from predictable things that did not have a plan. Taxes. Holiday spending. Travel. Family obligations. Home projects. Insurance premiums. Lifestyle creep. Charitable giving. Year-end decisions. The things you keep saying you will deal with later. In this episode, Shari walks through the second half of your mid-year strategy check-in so you can stop letting predictable expenses, vague goals, and delayed decisions sneak up on you. This is not about budgeting because you are broke. This is about lifestyle planning because your life costs money — and your money deserves direction. You'll learn: Why tax planning should not wait until next spring What to review before year-end if your income, bonus, business revenue, or investments changed How to plan for upcoming expenses before they become stressful Why predictable expenses feel chaotic when you keep pretending they are surprises How lifestyle creep shows up when your defaults quietly get more expensive Why being able to afford something does not automatically mean it is the best use of your money How to revisit your January goals without shame Why a goal that no longer fits your life is not a moral obligation How to choose one to three financial priorities for the rest of the year The goal is not to fix everything in one sitting. The goal is to create visibility, make one or two stronger decisions, and stop letting the lack of a decision become the decision. Money should not just accumulate, disappear, or sit there because you are unsure what to do next. Money should be a tool that helps you live life on your terms. If you're ready for personalized, judgment-free financial guidance, learn more about working with Shari. Shari Rash is the founder of GWA Wealth, a virtual advisory firm helping women make confident, values-aligned decisions with their money. Visit GWA Wealth to explore your next step. Talkin' Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Shari Rash is a financial planner and Investment Adviser Representative of GWA Wealth, a Registered Investment Adviser. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an advisory relationship with Shari Rash or GWA Wealth. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or securities are for illustrative purposes only and are not recommendations. You should consult your own financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney regarding your individual situation before making any financial decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's, episode, I chat about kindness and generosity through the lens of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding and their significant charitable donations. I reflect on a personal moment with my aging parents and young families, considering how we move through different life stages. The core message: is everyone, regardless of wealth, can make a meaningful difference through acts of kindness and generosity. From charitable giving to simple gestures of gentleness, small acts create ripples of positive change. Key Topics: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Charitable giving and generosity Life stages and aging parents The ripple effect of kindness Why everyone can make a difference, regardless of wealth With peace and love always, Amber xoxo    

In this episode: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (2027) — Up to $1,700 non-refundable credit for K–12 scholarship donations; no income limits; requires state opt-in Cryptocurrency staking rewards — Tokens taxable as income upon receipt; deferral legislation proposed but not yet law 1099-DA reporting (2027) — Brokers must report digital asset sales; provide all 1099s to your preparer Charitable contribution rules — Cash must be documented; GoFundMe not deductible; large non-cash donations require appraisals $4.2M charitable deduction denied — Tax court disallowed due to inadequate documentation Hobby loss rules — Losses only deductible if activity is run with genuine profit motive Family limited partnership discounts — Court upheld IRS challenge; deemed tax-motivated with no business purpose Estate tax Form 706 & closing letters — Portability elections, new request fee, and 2–3 year processing delays 2027 Social Security wage base — Increases to $190,200; effectively a tax hike for higher earners Amended returns (Form 1040-X) — 3-year filing window; e-file for faster refunds IRS workforce decline — Staffing down 28%; enforcement agents down 33%; fewer audits and slower service

In this segment, we explore Dr. Nibodhi's new program, Complete Ayurveda. This is a comprehensive, self-paced course designed to bring the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda into your everyday life. I genuinely couldn't be more thrilled for this program to be released to the public and to support so many people. Dr. Nibodhi has poured years of study, clinical experience, and genuine care into creating a program that is deeply rooted in tradition but is also incredibly practical for modern living. Whether you're completely new to Ayurveda or looking to deepen your understanding, this course provides accessible tools that you can begin applying immediately.With over 10 hours of video content, 50+ lessons, 20 interactive worksheets, 12 guided meditations, and 3 personalized quizzes, every module is designed around implementation rather than information alone. The goal isn't simply to learn the philosophy of Ayurveda - it is to experience it through meaningful changes in your health, energy, habits, and overall sense of wellbeing.Receive 50$ off with the discount code AYURVEDANOW50 through August 1st! www.nibodhi.com/complete-ayurvedaNibodhi is a student and practitioner of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedic Astrology and Indigenous Wisdom traditions. Professionally he a board-certified Traditional Naturopath and Ayurvedic Practitioner and educator. He has also studied Jyotish with an emphasis in medical astrology. He is certified in Vedic psychology/ counselling, clinical nutrition, & yoga teacher/ yoga therapy as well as numerous certifications and trainings in other fields of Health and Consciousness. While he has formally studied at numerous schools his most profound studies came from one on one training with numerous Vaidyas, Yoga masters, Shamans and Elders and Healers from the Vedic traditions as well as various indigenous traditions. He has more than 3 decades of studies and experience in mindfulness and tantric meditation practice and offers guidance in personal and private practice. His vision and heart follows these wisdom paths that support health and consciousness on an individual and planetary level.He is the author of six books on health and consciousness.He offers Vedic/Ayurveda Consultations in person and online. Sessions with Nibodhi give clients a deeper understanding of their total state of health and provide tools for creating greater well-being in their lives. Ayurvedic consultations with Nibodhi are a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey towards optimum, radiant health and consciousness. Nibodhi listens with deep awareness to your health and life concerns. He determines and explains your unique constitution, and offers you a completely individualised approach and protocol that supports your health and life goals.Sessions with Nibodhi may include, but are not limited to, individualised nutrition, dietary, and herbal protocols, yoga and/or other exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, and lifestyle practices which are personalised to bring you into optimum balance.Since 2003 he has been living half of each year in Kerala, India serving in a 100% Non-profit/Charitable, Ayurveda and Naturopathy Wellness Center where he also has taught week long Ayurveda-Yoga intensives twice a year since 2013. Since 2004 he has travelled the world (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, EU, Australia, Singapore, Malayasia, Thailand) offering Ayurveda Health and Consciousness guidance and counseling. Since 2020 he still spends half the year in India and half the year in Maui. https://www.instagram.com/dr.nibodhi/To find out more or sign up for a consultation, email:Dr.Nibodhi@gmail.com __________________________________Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

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Without a sell discipline, investors tend to hold winners too long out of greed and losers too long out of denial." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I sell a stock that has doubled in price?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Not necessarily — but a doubling in price is a strong signal to re-examine the thesis. If the stock is a dividend payer, check the current yield: a stock that once yielded 6.5% and now yields 3.4% purely because of price appreciation may have priced in years of future growth. In that case, trimming a portion and capturing gains as dry powder for redeployment is a disciplined approach even if the company itself remains strong." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do taxes affect the decision to sell a stock?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In taxable accounts, selling at a gain triggers capital gains tax — either short-term (ordinary income rates) or long-term (lower rates, for assets held over one year). A key strategy is tax-loss harvesting: selling positions with unrealized losses to offset realized gains. You can repurchase the same security after 30 days under the wash sale rule. For highly appreciated, low-basis positions, gifting shares directly to charity avoids tax entirely for both donor and recipient." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is FOMO in investing and how does it cause mistakes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "FOMO — fear of missing out — causes investors to hold positions long after a rational sell signal has appeared, because they fear the stock will keep rising after they exit. It also leads investors to hold falling stocks in denial, hoping for a recovery. Both behaviors stem from emotional decision-making rather than objective analysis. Having pre-established valuation criteria and working with an investment committee helps counteract FOMO and its mirror image, paralysis." } } ] } Buying a Stock Is Easy. Knowing When to Sell Is Everything. The Tom Dupree Show  |  Dupree Financial Group  |  dupreefinancial.com  |  859-233-0400 A sound sell discipline is one of the most overlooked parts of retirement investing — every investor knows how to buy a stock, but the moment that determines real wealth, or real loss, is the moment you decide to sell. In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree, Lead Advisor Mike Johnson, and in-house analyst James Dupree lay out the sell discipline that has guided Dupree Financial Group’s portfolios for decades. The conversation covers what triggers a trim, what triggers a full exit, and why waiting for someone else to tell you to sell is one of the costliest mistakes in investing. The team works through real examples — from Freddie Mac and WorldCom in the early 2000s to a local company that went up twenty times before going back to zero — and explains the framework behind each decision. Along the way, they address growth stocks, dividend payers, pipeline companies, oil stocks, and AI infrastructure plays, showing how the sell criteria differ by asset type even as the underlying discipline stays consistent. “Buying a stock is easy. Selling a stock — regardless of whether it’s up or down — is a lot harder to do.” — Tom Dupree Why Sell Discipline Matters in Retirement Investing Most investment conversations focus on what to buy. Sell discipline gets far less attention — yet it is the mechanism that actually converts paper gains into real money. As Tom put it on the show, you don’t realize anything until it’s sold. Dividends deliver income along the way, but capital appreciation only benefits you when you act on it. This is exactly the kind of sell discipline retirement investing question that Dupree Financial Group works through with every client. The team described the buy discipline as relatively straightforward: you find a company with a compelling valuation, a durable dividend, or a strong revenue growth story, and you build a position. The sell decision is far more nuanced because it involves not just the company’s fundamentals but also your portfolio’s overall risk profile, tax situation, current market conditions, and where you are in your financial life. Different Assets Require Different Sell Metrics One of the clearest takeaways from this episode is that sell criteria are not universal — they must be tailored to the type of asset you own. Growth stocks and AI companies often lack traditional earnings metrics, so James Dupree explained that the team evaluates them on revenue guidance and gross margin targets. When management demonstrates they can execute — beating their own guidance consistently — the market rewards them with premium valuations. When that execution story breaks down, or when the stock has priced in years of future growth, it is time to take some off the table. Dividend-paying stocks use a different lens: current yield. Tom described a stock the firm bought yielding 6.5% that now yields roughly 3.4% — not because the dividend was cut, but because the price nearly doubled. That yield compression is the market’s way of signaling that the optimism has been priced in. Capturing three years’ worth of dividends in two months of price appreciation is a compelling reason to trim. REITs are evaluated on price-to-adjusted cash flow rather than price-to-earnings. Pipeline companies may be held long past a traditional sell target because their dividend stream is so strong and growing that the income justifies continued ownership. Every sector, and every individual company within a sector, has its own intricacies. Trimming vs. Exiting: The Power of Partial Sales Mike Johnson emphasized that most sell decisions at Dupree Financial are not binary. Rather than exiting a position entirely, the team frequently trims — reducing a holding that has become overweight and redeploying the proceeds into money market as dry powder. That cash position carries real optionality: when a market pullback creates entry points in other names, the firm is already positioned to act. The team recently used this approach with oil stocks. Several integrated oil companies had appreciated 25–30% over the past year even as oil prices remained flat. The underlying businesses are excellent operators, but there is a ceiling on how much an oil company can grow — demand is finite, production costs are finite, and the economics do not allow for the kind of multiple expansion you can see in software or AI. Taking profits there freed up capital for infrastructure and reshoring plays that offer better forward returns at reasonable valuations. Risk Profile Is a Sell Signal Too Tom described a stock the firm added to significantly in April of the prior year — a diesel engine manufacturer that turned out to have strong AI-adjacent tailwinds. The position appreciated considerably. Even though the team still believed in the company, they trimmed because the position had grown so large it changed the portfolio’s overall risk profile. The question was not “do we still like this company?” but “does this concentration match what our clients are paying us to manage?” Similarly, a high-conviction AI holding trimmed in October had briefly become the largest position in the portfolio after rapid price appreciation. The mandate from clients calls for a diversified, income-oriented portfolio — not a concentrated bet on any single name, regardless of how strong the thesis is. The Emotional Traps: FOMO, Greed, and Legacy Holdings Tom shared two memorable examples of how emotions derail sell decisions. The first was a locally well-known company whose stock rose twenty times before collapsing back to zero. Investors who rode it all the way up — and all the way back down — had been told to take some off the table. They refused, emotionally unable to accept that paper gains only become real when you sell. The second example was a widow whose late husband had told her never to sell two particular stocks. She was holding roughly $300,000 in those two positions at a blended yield of about 2.1% — generating around $6,000 per year. A redeployment into holdings yielding 7% would have generated closer to $21,000 annually. The husband’s advice may have been reasonable at the time, but circumstances changed. Her income needs changed. The advice never got updated. Mike also drew the parallel to how individual investors today feel about broad index funds or the S&P 500 — looking at five-year performance charts and feeling unable to reduce exposure because “it might keep going up.” That mindset, he noted, is identical to the emotional pattern that preceded every major market drawdown. The antidote is asking a simple question: do the numbers still work for me if this drops 30% or 40%? The Tax Dimension of Selling In taxable accounts, selling is never just an investment decision — it is also a tax event. Tom and Mike outlined several strategies the firm uses to manage that dimension: Tax-loss harvesting: Selling positions with unrealized losses to offset realized gains elsewhere in the portfolio. The firm deliberately maintains a few losers for this purpose. Wash sale management: After harvesting a loss, you can repurchase the same security after 30 days and still recognize the tax benefit. Charitable gifting of appreciated shares: For long-held, low-basis positions, gifting shares directly to a charity allows the donor to take a deduction at full fair market value while the charity pays no capital gains tax. This also serves as a rebalancing tool — reducing concentration without triggering a taxable event. Stepped-up cost basis: For clients with health concerns, holding a highly appreciated position until death transfers it to heirs at the current market value, eliminating the embedded gain entirely. As the team noted: the right answer always depends on the individual’s situation — the tax shelter of the account, charitable inclinations, estate planning goals, and overall income needs. A Cautionary Tale from Wall Street Tom closed the first segment with a story from early in his career at a large brokerage firm. A prominent New York analyst had a buy list — the “focus list” — that brokers across the country used to build client portfolios. Through the late 1990s bull market, the list performed well, and the analyst became a star. When the market began its steep decline in 2000 through 2002, the analyst issued no sell ratings. He went quiet. Brokers and their clients waited for guidance that never came. Many lost significant sums as a result. The reason, Tom observed, was simple: issuing a sell rating would have been an admission that the original buy call was wrong. Professional reputation got in the way of professional responsibility. It is exactly why Dupree Financial conducts all research in-house, maintains an investment committee where theses are challenged regularly, and retains the authority to move quickly — without waiting for a third-party analyst to give permission. You can hear more episodes like this one on the Tom Dupree Show Radio archive. Frequently Asked Questions About Sell Discipline in Retirement Investing How do you know when to sell a stock? The best sell decisions are driven by valuation, not price alone. Before buying, establish the price or valuation level at which you would be satisfied selling. If the stock exceeds that target, revisit the thesis. For dividend stocks, watch current yield — when it compresses significantly due to price appreciation, the market may be pricing in too much optimism. For growth stocks, monitor revenue guidance and gross margin targets. The key is having objective criteria rather than letting emotion drive the decision. What is a sell discipline in investing? A sell discipline is a systematic, pre-defined set of criteria that guides when to reduce or exit a position — independent of emotion or market noise. It includes valuation targets, yield thresholds, risk profile limits, dividend sustainability checks, and tax considerations. Without a sell discipline, investors tend to hold winners too long out of greed and losers too long out of denial. Should I sell a stock that has doubled in price? Not necessarily — but a doubling in price is a strong signal to re-examine the thesis. If the stock is a dividend payer, check the current yield: a stock that once yielded 6.5% and now yields 3.4% purely because of price appreciation may have priced in years of future growth. In that case, trimming a portion and capturing gains as dry powder for redeployment is a disciplined approach even if the company itself remains strong. How do taxes affect the decision to sell a stock? In taxable accounts, selling at a gain triggers capital gains tax — either short-term (ordinary income rates) or long-term (lower rates, for assets held over one year). A key strategy is tax-loss harvesting: selling positions with unrealized losses to offset realized gains. You can repurchase the same security after 30 days under the wash sale rule. For highly appreciated, low-basis positions, gifting shares directly to charity avoids tax entirely for both donor and recipient. What is FOMO in investing and how does it cause mistakes? FOMO — fear of missing out — causes investors to hold positions long after a rational sell signal has appeared, because they fear the stock will keep rising after they exit. It also leads investors to hold falling stocks in denial, hoping for a recovery. Both behaviors stem from emotional decision-making rather than objective analysis. Having pre-established valuation criteria and working with an investment committee helps counteract FOMO and the paralysis it creates. Schedule a Complimentary Portfolio Review If you’re not sure whether your current portfolio reflects a real sell discipline — or whether you’re holding things longer than you should be — we’ll take a look. No charge. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about what you own and whether it’s working for you. Call: 859-233-0400  |  Visit: dupreefinancial.com Dupree Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information presented on this program is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The post When to Sell a Stock: Sell Discipline for Retirement Investors | Dupree Financial appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Donor-advised funds have become one of the most popular charitable giving tools in the country, with more than $326 billion now held in donor-advised fund accounts. Yet many retirees and investors still don't fully understand how donor-advised funds work, when they make sense, or how they can fit into a broader tax planning and retirement planning strategy. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, covers: What a donor-advised fund is and how it works Why donor-advised fund assets have nearly doubled since 2020 How donating appreciated stock can reduce taxes and avoid capital gains Why investment growth inside a donor-advised fund may increase charitable impact over time How charitable bunching strategies can create larger tax deductions Common donor-advised fund mistakes and misconceptions Real-world situations where donor-advised funds may fit into a retirement or tax planning strategy For retirees and investors who regularly support charities, a donor-advised fund can be much more than a charitable account. It can be a tax planning tool, an investment tool, and a way to simplify ongoing charitable giving. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/    Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/    Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

⁠Are you interested in working with me 1 on 1?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness Questionnaire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Or,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Many retirees spend decades worrying about whetherthey'll have enough money.But what happens when you've already solved the incomeproblem?In this case study, we examine a 65-year-old retiree witha $1.9 million portfolio, an $85,000 pension, and Social Security benefits thatcover nearly all of her retirement spending needs.We discuss:Why retirement planning changeswhen income is already covered How pensions affect investmentstrategy Roth conversion opportunitiesbefore required minimum distributions begin Lifetime gifting strategies foradult children Charitable planning usingQualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Creating a tax-efficient legacyIf you've accumulated significant retirement assets andwant to optimize retirement, this episode is for you.The big question isn't whether you can retire.It's what to do next after you've already won theretirement income game.Connect with me here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Followthe podcast​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JoinMy Company Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***This is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

This week's Nonprofit News Feed highlights the potential impact of upcoming IPOs in the AI sector on donor-advised funds (DAFs). Major players like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI are expected to go public, potentially generating $12 to $32 billion in new DAF contributions. This influx could significantly enhance grant-making capacities across the nonprofit sector. The democratization of philanthropy is a key theme, as newly liquid employees—not just billionaires—could make substantial charitable contributions. Nonprofits are advised to prepare by developing relationships with potential donors early and ensuring they can efficiently handle stock gifts and DAF grants. Key insights include the expectation of a massive year for DAFs, similar to the IPO boom of 2021. However, nonprofits should note that liquidity does not equate to immediate increased budgets. The episode emphasizes the importance of strategic communications and understanding the philanthropic mindset of tech sector employees, particularly concerning AI's societal impacts.

This week’s Nonprofit News Feed highlights the potential impact of upcoming IPOs in the AI sector on donor-advised funds (DAFs). Major players like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI are expected to go public, potentially generating $12 to $32 billion in new DAF contributions. This influx could significantly enhance grant-making capacities across the nonprofit sector. The democratization of philanthropy is a key theme, as newly liquid employees—not just billionaires—could make substantial charitable contributions. Nonprofits are advised to prepare by developing relationships with potential donors early and ensuring they can efficiently handle stock gifts and DAF grants. Key insights include the expectation of a massive year for DAFs, similar to the IPO boom of 2021. However, nonprofits should note that liquidity does not equate to immediate increased budgets. The episode emphasizes the importance of strategic communications and understanding the philanthropic mindset of tech sector employees, particularly concerning AI’s societal impacts. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post The $32B Charitable Wave Is Coming. Your “Donate” Button Isn't Ready. (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

Read the full transcript here. How much good is lost when charity optimizes only for what can be measured? When does a cost-effectiveness model clarify reality, and when does it create false confidence? Could the most important interventions be the ones that look too uncertain, too political, or too indirect to fit neatly into a spreadsheet? What would it mean to judge philanthropy not only by the marginal dollar, but by its power to unlock whole systems of future impact? And if social change follows a power law, should doing good look less like buying guaranteed outcomes and more like building a portfolio of serious bets? Why might cash transfers be unusually powerful despite their simplicity? What happens when money does not just help one household, but circulates through an entire local economy? How should we weigh scalable, robust interventions against more complex programs that may work brilliantly only when execution is excellent? What do donors miss when they ignore team quality, government relationships, political context, and second-order effects? And in a world where every intervention sits inside a messy system, how do we stay rigorous without becoming trapped by certainty? Links: GiveDirectly Nick Allardice is the President and CEO of GiveDirectly, which uses technology to send cash directly to people living in poverty, and has variously been named amongst the most audacious, innovative and fastest growing organizations in the world. Staff Spencer Greenberg — Host + Director Ryan Kessler — Producer + Technical Lead WeAmplify — Transcriptionists Igor Scaldini — Marketing Consultant Music Broke for Free Josh Woodward Lee Rosevere Quiet Music for Tiny Robots wowamusic zapsplat.com Affiliates Clearer Thinking GuidedTrack Mind Ease Positly UpLift [Read more]

Public benefit flying might mean transporting a cancer patient or relocating turtles, but regardless of the mission Mark Hanson says it's rewarding, fun, and great for keeping your pilot skills sharp. He talks about managing the pressure of these flights, how to get started with a volunteer pilot organization, and why his Eclipse is the perfect airplane. In the Ready to Copy segment, Mark talks about his most memorable passenger, tips for flying into busy airports, and a new aviation weather tool he likes.SHOW LINKS:* Become a volunteer pilot: https://vpoids.aircarealliance.org/join* Air Care Alliance webinars: https://www.youtube.com/@aircarealliance6167* IFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops: https://sportys.com/mastery

Discover how donations are transforming West African communities by providing access to clean water. From saving lives to empowering women and girls, we explore the profound ripple effects of addressing the region's water crisis.Learn more at: https://www.synergyheals.org/donate SYNERGY HEALS City: Bellingham Address: 114 West Magnolia Street #400-135 Website: https://www.synergyheals.org

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on May 28th 2026. You can hear more reports on our homepage www.radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio. Presenter and producer: Michael Walsh

Russ Durling joins Will from England to discuss Iran, the Texas primary, and Trump's mid-term political quandary.

For many low-to-middle-income households, a health emergency can quickly turn into a financial one. Because nonprofit hospitals and health systems receive tax breaks, they are legally obligated to help cover some patients' medical bills. But Minnesota's hospitals do this at a lower rate, on average, than in most other states. In other words, they are some of the least charitable in the nation. That's according to a recent investigation by the Minnesota Star Tribune and the health outlet KFF News. Star Tribune reporter Jeremy Olson joined Minnesota Now to talk about what their report found.

At HPE’s annual meeting of shareholders, the company faced a shareholder proposal from a BR client over political neutrality in the company’s charitable partnerships. Presenting at that meeting was Bowyer Research's director of corporate engagement Isaac Willour, who laid out (1) the case for risk mitigation around controversial corproate partnerships, (2) what activist ratings indicate about the company's policy stances on critical issues like gender transition surgery, and (3) why peer companies, and the Fortune 500 is broadly moving away from these sorts of partnerships and choosing political neutrality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patricia “PJ” Johnson shares the story behind the R.M. BeallSr. Charitable Foundation and how it supports Bealls associates and families through scholarships, disaster relief, community programs, and giving back.PJ also reflects on nearly 30 years with Bealls, theevolution of accounts payable and AI-driven systems, leadership, company culture, and why investing in people matters for the future. Episode Timeline:00:00:00              Introductions00:04:21              Day to Day in Accounts Payable00:06:50              Bealls Charitable Foundation00:14:40              Non-Profit outside of Bealls00:16:31              Artificial Intelligence00:23:26              Football Team Ownership00:25:35              Closing#BeallsLegacy #Bealls #Leadership #CompanyCulture #Scholarships #Community #GivingBack #Nonprofit #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeSupport #FamilyBusiness #PatriciaJohnson #CommunityImpact #WorkplaceCulture #Podcast

At Disney's annual meeting, the company faced a shareholder proposal from a client of Patron Partners, asking for transparency around the company's charitable giving practices, including reported exclusions of religious/politically conservative organizations such as TPUSA. Listen to her full remarks here. "I love Disney, and the many happy moments it’s provided me and my family and friends for decades. The way it’s dodging questions on this issue isn’t in keeping with that. Let’s get Disney away from biased corporate policies, and back to creating more of those happy moments. Choosing political neutrality is how to do that." A huge thank you to Dana for her willingness to engage! Shortly after this annual meeting, Disney came under FCC review over its DEI policies. The company can't say no one was sounding the alarm now. Learn more about Patron Partners here: https://www.patronpartnersadvisors.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Lisa, founder of Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope charity in Edinburgh, who is living with secondary breast cancer while continuing to support so many others.This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to live with ongoing cancer treatment. I ask Lisa if she feels excluded from other menopause conversations and even from the many cancer chats out there.We talk about saying it as it is, the emotional reality of menopause and secondary cancer, and the strategies that help day-to-day, alongside the strength, purpose and perspective that can still exist within it all.Lisa's work has been a shining light for me personally, especially when I was building Menopause and Cancer and recording this episode while one of our community support sessions was taking place at The House of Hope felt like a real full-circle moment.We also share more about our upcoming Menopause Awareness Day event on the 18th June, which we'll be marking at The House of Hope. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.org/, and we will let you know of all of our upcoming events!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:55 Founding Scotland's first support center09:31 Menopause and cancer diagnosis discussions12:52 Discussing treatment decisions and surgery18:27 Discussing menopause treatment options20:36 Navigating menopause and chemo challenges26:06 Founding a Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope27:50 Starting a charity from my hospital bed33:34 Charitable collaborations and community building37:59 Balancing work and mindfulness40:25 Menopause workshopLinks:House of Hope: https://houseofhope.org.uk/Make 2nds count: https://make2ndscount.co.uk/Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Over the last 20 years, the needs in Armenia have changed a lot. What once focused more on immediate relief has gradually shifted toward long-term development and building sustainable opportunities. For organizations doing this work, that means constantly adapting and really listening to what communities need. Today, we're taking a closer look, with Paros Executive Director, Peter Abajian, at how those needs have evolved and what that means moving forward.

Charitable donations are still tax-deductible in 2026, but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed the rules significantly. Learn about the new zero point five percent AGI floor, above-the-line deductions for non-itemizers, and smart strategies to maximize your impact. To learn more, visit https://nobabyblisters.org/donate-ultraswift/ No Baby Blisters City: Colorado Springs Address: 731 Chapel Hills Drive Website: https://nobabyblisters.org/

Jeffrey Epstein cultivated an image of legitimacy by embedding himself in the world of philanthropy, using charitable giving and high-profile donations as a gateway into elite institutions. By funding universities, research initiatives, and nonprofit efforts, he positioned himself as a benefactor rather than a predator, gaining access to influential figures in academia, science, and finance. This strategy wasn't just about reputation—it created a protective layer, where association with respected institutions helped deflect scrutiny and made allegations easier to dismiss or delay. The optics of generosity became a shield, allowing him to operate in plain sight while building credibility that masked what was happening behind closed doors.Those within Epstein's orbit appeared to benefit from and, at times, reinforce this dynamic, treating philanthropy as both social currency and insulation. Donations opened doors, softened resistance, and created a network of individuals and organizations with a vested interest—whether reputational or financial—in not looking too closely. In that environment, the line between genuine charitable work and strategic image management blurred, with giving functioning less as altruism and more as a calculated tool to maintain access, influence, and protection. The result was a system where money didn't just buy entry—it helped shape perception, delay accountability, and obscure the reality of what was taking place beneath the surface.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Jeffrey Epstein cultivated an image of legitimacy by embedding himself in the world of philanthropy, using charitable giving and high-profile donations as a gateway into elite institutions. By funding universities, research initiatives, and nonprofit efforts, he positioned himself as a benefactor rather than a predator, gaining access to influential figures in academia, science, and finance. This strategy wasn't just about reputation—it created a protective layer, where association with respected institutions helped deflect scrutiny and made allegations easier to dismiss or delay. The optics of generosity became a shield, allowing him to operate in plain sight while building credibility that masked what was happening behind closed doors.Those within Epstein's orbit appeared to benefit from and, at times, reinforce this dynamic, treating philanthropy as both social currency and insulation. Donations opened doors, softened resistance, and created a network of individuals and organizations with a vested interest—whether reputational or financial—in not looking too closely. In that environment, the line between genuine charitable work and strategic image management blurred, with giving functioning less as altruism and more as a calculated tool to maintain access, influence, and protection. The result was a system where money didn't just buy entry—it helped shape perception, delay accountability, and obscure the reality of what was taking place beneath the surface.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Jeffrey Epstein cultivated an image of legitimacy by embedding himself in the world of philanthropy, using charitable giving and high-profile donations as a gateway into elite institutions. By funding universities, research initiatives, and nonprofit efforts, he positioned himself as a benefactor rather than a predator, gaining access to influential figures in academia, science, and finance. This strategy wasn't just about reputation—it created a protective layer, where association with respected institutions helped deflect scrutiny and made allegations easier to dismiss or delay. The optics of generosity became a shield, allowing him to operate in plain sight while building credibility that masked what was happening behind closed doors.Those within Epstein's orbit appeared to benefit from and, at times, reinforce this dynamic, treating philanthropy as both social currency and insulation. Donations opened doors, softened resistance, and created a network of individuals and organizations with a vested interest—whether reputational or financial—in not looking too closely. In that environment, the line between genuine charitable work and strategic image management blurred, with giving functioning less as altruism and more as a calculated tool to maintain access, influence, and protection. The result was a system where money didn't just buy entry—it helped shape perception, delay accountability, and obscure the reality of what was taking place beneath the surface.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Jeffrey Epstein cultivated an image of legitimacy by embedding himself in the world of philanthropy, using charitable giving and high-profile donations as a gateway into elite institutions. By funding universities, research initiatives, and nonprofit efforts, he positioned himself as a benefactor rather than a predator, gaining access to influential figures in academia, science, and finance. This strategy wasn't just about reputation—it created a protective layer, where association with respected institutions helped deflect scrutiny and made allegations easier to dismiss or delay. The optics of generosity became a shield, allowing him to operate in plain sight while building credibility that masked what was happening behind closed doors.Those within Epstein's orbit appeared to benefit from and, at times, reinforce this dynamic, treating philanthropy as both social currency and insulation. Donations opened doors, softened resistance, and created a network of individuals and organizations with a vested interest—whether reputational or financial—in not looking too closely. In that environment, the line between genuine charitable work and strategic image management blurred, with giving functioning less as altruism and more as a calculated tool to maintain access, influence, and protection. The result was a system where money didn't just buy entry—it helped shape perception, delay accountability, and obscure the reality of what was taking place beneath the surface.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Jeffrey Epstein cultivated an image of legitimacy by embedding himself in the world of philanthropy, using charitable giving and high-profile donations as a gateway into elite institutions. By funding universities, research initiatives, and nonprofit efforts, he positioned himself as a benefactor rather than a predator, gaining access to influential figures in academia, science, and finance. This strategy wasn't just about reputation—it created a protective layer, where association with respected institutions helped deflect scrutiny and made allegations easier to dismiss or delay. The optics of generosity became a shield, allowing him to operate in plain sight while building credibility that masked what was happening behind closed doors.Those within Epstein's orbit appeared to benefit from and, at times, reinforce this dynamic, treating philanthropy as both social currency and insulation. Donations opened doors, softened resistance, and created a network of individuals and organizations with a vested interest—whether reputational or financial—in not looking too closely. In that environment, the line between genuine charitable work and strategic image management blurred, with giving functioning less as altruism and more as a calculated tool to maintain access, influence, and protection. The result was a system where money didn't just buy entry—it helped shape perception, delay accountability, and obscure the reality of what was taking place beneath the surface.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Cian Murphy, CEO of the National Lottery, outlines the findings of a new report on the negative impact of lottery betting, the process by which bookmakers take bets on the Lotto draw.

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris tackles two of the most misunderstood—and most impactful—areas of financial and estate planning.First, Joel breaks down a common myth: your will does not control where most of your money goes. Instead, beneficiary designations quietly determine who inherits retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities, and many investment and bank accounts. With trillions of dollars passing outside of wills every year, Joel explains why outdated or overlooked beneficiary forms can create costly mistakes—and what simple steps you can take today to make sure your assets end up exactly where you intend.Next, Joel dives into one of his favorite planning strategies: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). If you're charitably inclined and over age 70½, this powerful tool allows you to support causes you care about while significantly reducing your tax burden. Joel walks through how QCDs work, the rules you must follow, common pitfalls to avoid, and why they can be far more tax‑efficient than writing a check—especially when it comes to required minimum distributions, Medicare premiums, and Social Security taxation.Along the way, Joel also shares timely market perspective during earnings season, highlights the importance of staying organized with financial documents, and explains how thoughtful planning can reduce stress, cost, and conflict for the people you love.If you've ever wondered whether your estate plan is really doing what you think it is—or how to give charitably in the most tax‑smart way—this episode is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss.

Additional Resources in links below: What is Hypocrisy? Charitable giving is not Optional. Do It Well.

The IRS Dirty Dozen 2026 Episode 380 – The IRS has published its annual “Dirty Dozen” list for 2026. As always, scammers keep coming up with new tricks to snare unsuspecting taxpayers. It's best to know what you're up against! More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 380 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual's SML Planning Minute. In today's episode: the IRS has published its annual “Dirty Dozen” list for 2026. It's safe to say that the IRS is not exactly America's most popular government agency. But every once in a while, they do something we can all get behind. If you ever want to know the latest on what some criminals are doing to steal your money, the IRS can help. Their annual Dirty Dozen listing of tax scams provides us with a guide to some of the things we need to look out for. In publishing this list every year, the IRS is trying to encourage people to remain vigilant. As IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano points out, “For more than two decades, the IRS has used the Dirty Dozen list to flag emerging scams that taxpayers should watch out for.”[1] Here is their newly published 2026 list, in order.[2] IRS impersonators. Criminals will use emails (phishing) and text messages (smishing) to trick someone into believing that the IRS is looking for them. They use intimidating language to convince someone to click where they shouldn't be clicking. They also like using QR codes to take you to a fake—but authentic-looking—IRS website. The IRS says they reported over 600 social media impersonators last year. Of course, it's best never to click on any unsolicited correspondence claiming to be from the IRS. The rise of AI spoofing. Scammers have discovered a new tool in recent years: using AI to impersonate IRS personnel. Some bogus phone calls now use AI for “voice mimicry” and “spoofed caller ID” to make them seem real. The IRS reminds us that they generally contact taxpayers by mail first, and they don't leave urgent, threatening or demanding messages. Fake charities. Crooks are ready to step in whenever there's a natural disaster or some other form of tragedy, and a phony charity is one of their most popular tools. They get unknowing taxpayers to give their money away in the hope of getting a tax deduction. When discovered, this can result in tax charges, interest and penalties once the scam is recognized. Social media “tax hacks.” Let the buyer beware when it comes to tax advice on social media. The IRS says that social media is “a major driver of tax scams.” Sometimes so-called “tax hacks” can go viral, leading people to claim credits they're not entitled to. The IRS reminds us that if you file a fraudulent tax return, you could potentially face significant civil and criminal penalties. It's best to follow trusted tax professionals and other reputable sources. Identity theft using online IRS accounts. Scammers sometimes use stolen data to get access to someone's IRS account. The IRS encourages people to set up their own accounts through IRS.gov, and to stay away from third parties who offer unsolicited help. Abusive claims involving long-term capital gains. Regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts often use IRS Form 2439. The form is used when the fund has undistributed long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gains are taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income. The IRS has noticed an uptick in fraudulent claims where the filing organization is not an investment fund or real estate investment trust, and thus not eligible for this special provision. “Self-Employment Tax Credits.” Crooks are using misleading claims about “self-employment tax credits” to generate illegal refunds. The credits were available in 2020 and 2021 as part of legislation passed in the wake of the pandemic. They were actively promoted on social media, and there have been a significant number of fraudulent claims for such credits. “Ghost” tax preparers. The IRS defines a “ghost” preparer as someone who prepares a tax return but then refuses to sign it, or refuses to provide what's called a “Preparer Tax Identification Number” or PTIN. Remember that, regardless of who prepares the return, you are legally responsible for what you file. Being without a signature from the preparer or PTIN is considered a red flag. Non-cash charitable donations. Charitable donations for “conservation easements” and artwork have long been subject to scrutiny. An example of a conservation easement is a farm owner signing an agreement to permanently maintain the property as farmland, thus disallowing any future development on the property. This causes a decrease in the property's value, and the owner gets a tax deduction for doing it. Such donations are often legitimate, but they can be abused. Overstated tax withholding. This is a new entry on the list. Sometimes a scammer will suggest overstating the amount of tax withheld in order to receive a bigger refund. This is often referred to as “other withholding.” Of course, if you overstate your withholding, you can be subject to penalties and enforcement action. Spear phishing and malware. According to the IRS, criminals will go after businesses and tax pros with phony “new client” or “document request” emails. They warn people to be suspicious of unexpected requests for confidential information or urgent payment demands. The scammers use these tricks to steal personal data and/or deliver malware. “Offers in Compromise.” This one is an oldie but a goodie. An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is, essentially, a reduced settlement of a debt owed to the IRS. The problem is that so-called “OIC Mills” sometimes charge high fees, use high-pressure tactics, and make promises they can't keep. The IRS goes on to talk about some ways people can protect themselves from these scams. Some are obvious: don't click on a link you weren't expecting, and don't open an unexpected attachment. Also, if you get a phone call you weren't expecting from someone claiming to be with the IRS, simply hang up. The IRS also encourages people to report any suspicious activities. If you think your identity may have been stolen, they suggest you visit IRS.gov/idtheft. You can also take a look at IRS.gov/SubmitATip. This new online tool consolidates all the IRS fraud-reporting options into a single location. [1] Internal Revenue Service. “Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2026: IRS reminds taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats.” IRS.gov. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2026-irs-reminds-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats (accessed April 1, 2026). [2] Id. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual's legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you've enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we'll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person's needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

Many federal employees care deeply about charitable giving, but the way you give can really affect your taxes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down strategies that may help you make more tax-efficient charitable contributions, based on current IRS rules. They cover practical concepts like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, and how standard vs. itemized deductions can affect your overall tax picture. The goal is simple: help you better understand the rules so you can make more informed retirement decisions. If you want to help make sure you take the right step while handling your federal benefits, schedule a consultation call with one of our advisors today - https://zurl.co/PWkw  

Charitable gaming is big business in NH, surpassing $400 million in revenue in 2025 and generating $64 million in donations to charities. Today we talk to the general manager of The Nash Casino, one of the biggest players in the state. For more information about The Nash Casino, click here.

Welcome to EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource. I'm Cynthia Rowland, and in EO Radio Show episode 152 I'm focusing on what charitable entrepreneurs need to know when launching a new charitable initiative and are considering whether fiscal sponsorship is the right way to incubate, that is test and build a new idea, or a good short-term vehicle to run a time-limited charitable activity without going through the expense and timeline of forming and qualifying a standalone nonprofit organization. I'll go over what the terms "sponsored project" and "fiscal sponsor" mean and the legal context in which they operate. Show Notes: SPONSOR Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3942/titles EO Radio Show #37: Are You Ready? Steps for Launching a New Charitable Corporation EO Radio Show #131: Nonprofit Basics: Grant Agreement Best Practices EO Radio Show #132: Nonprofit Basics: Grant Agreements—Matching Grants, IP, Recoverable Grants & More EO Radio Show #149: Grantmaking Due Diligence: A Risk-Based Approach for Charitable Giving If you have suggestions for topics you would like us to discuss, please email us at eoradioshow@fbm.com. Additional episodes are available at EORadioShowByFarella.com.  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, legal advice or opinion.

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - the travel industry's ongoing reaction to rising fuel costs calls for new guidance for booking travel. Clark reveals why he never starts his search on an airline's website and how a simple shift in your booking psychology can save you hundreds. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 New Rules Of Travel: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: IRS - 2026 Charitable contributions SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know About How Passkeys Work—and How to Use Them Storage Unit Prices Keep Going Up. Is There a Better Way To Store My Possessions? eBay Motors and WeGoLook Partner to Provide Onsite Inspections for Vehicles The Details on Transferring 529 Funds into a Roth IRA The Tax-Saving Charity Funds Wealthy People Are Buzzing About Airfares Skyrocket as Carriers Tackle Rising Fuel Costs Clark Howard's Secrets to Beating Sky-High Airfares and New Hidden Fees Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap   4 Ways To Fight Sky-High Airfares This Summer Is ID.me Safe?   /   About ID.me Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Charitable donation bins, the large steel and metal boxes often found in parking lots, began appearing in the U.S. in the 1950s. By 1960, Portland had more than 70 goodwill bins, collecting tens of thousands of bags of donated goods a year. But there is a cost that comes with charitable giving. New reporting from The Believer found more than 30 documented cases where people have died while trying to access donated goods. Many of the deceased were people experiencing homelessness, and the documented number of deaths is believed to be an undercount.   Paul Collins, an English professor at Portland State University, wrote about this issue for the publication. He joins us to share more about the people who have died because of these bins and why they are so deadly.  

On today's poddy, we delve into our diverse philanthropy. Follow The Big Show on Instagram Subscribe to the podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Featuring Jason Hoyte, Mike Minogue, and Keyzie, "The Big Show" drive you home weekdays from 4pm on Radio Hauraki.Providing a hilarious escape from reality for those ‘backbone’ New Zealanders with plenty of laughs and out-the-gate yarns.Download the full podcast here:iHeartRadioAppleSpotify Follow The Big Show on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out this Encore show from April 8, 2025 Father Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Charitable Chastisement How do you discern when to offer correction to someone? (14:14) Judy - I wish somebody had loved me enough to chastise me. I walked away from faith, husband, etc. Nobody said Judy...you can't do this. I think it's important that we love enough to do that. I've come back to God and I know how much he loves me. It took a long time to accept the fact that he forgave me. (17:57) Thomas - I do sales for a living. When you have the truth and a way to convey it...chastisement, etc. tonality and all are everything. One of the ways to chastise is to site another source. Another way is the tonality...like... raising the voice. Coming from a place of love. (22:16) Break 1 What are things we can say to help build a relationship? (25:11) Mary - My sister was seriously ill. Didn't realize it was terminal. I told her she had to get it together because she was very ill. I talked to a priest and he went to see her and everything was taken care of. Patty – I have been wanting to control my husband who is living in sin and the Lord told me what to do in talking with him and it worked out great! (37:36) Break 2 Isabelle - My dad wasn't a Catholic. He was sick...92...and I used to go to church every day. I asked a lady from church if she could take a priest to see him. He went to confession and received the Eucharist. 9 days later...he died. (41:36) Candy - How do I talk to a 3 and 8-year-old about accepting correction or even correct them? I'm a mother of 3. I don't know how to better handle it.

Travis and his producer Eric dive into the intersection of faith, money, and manipulation in modern church culture. In this conversation, they dissect a viral Instagram post from a pastor's wife describing how her family “lived in tents” all summer to give more to their church — and what this kind of messaging reveals about financial guilt, obedience, and influence inside religious communities. On this episode we talk about: The viral story of a pastor's family living in tents to “obey God” The psychology and marketing behind “sacrificial giving” How financial guilt and spiritual manipulation intersect in faith-based settings The blurred line between faith-driven generosity and predatory persuasion What healthy, values-based giving actually looks like Top 3 Takeaways Be cautious when emotion-driven appeals push you toward extreme financial decisions “in the name of faith.” True generosity doesn't require self-destruction — giving should align with your responsibilities and capacity. Charitable impact can extend beyond the church; supporting people and causes directly can be just as meaningful. Notable Quotes “Don't make decisions with emotion that you later justify with logic.” “You can love your church and still recognize when something feels manipulative.” “God would rather you take care of your family first than camp in a tent for a donation pledge.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/travischappell Website: travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the all‑in‑one sales and marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your generosity could be multiplied—without giving another dollar? Corporate matching gift programs distribute billions of dollars every year, helping nonprofits expand their impact. Yet many believers are surprised to learn that some faith-based ministries don't qualify for these funds. Understanding how these programs work—and why fairness in charitable giving policies matters—can help unlock greater Kingdom impact. Today on Faith & Finance, we spoke with Will Lofland, Managing Director of Faith-Based Investing at GuideStone Funds, about how these programs function and why advocacy in this area matters for ministries and donors alike. Billions in Potential Generosity Corporate matching programs are more common than many people realize. According to Lofland, about 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer charitable gift-matching programs, which distribute roughly $2.86 billion each year. These programs allow companies to match the donations their employees make to qualified nonprofit organizations—often doubling the impact of a gift. But there's another surprising statistic: between $4 and $7 billion in potential matching funds go unclaimed annually. In many cases, employees simply don't know the benefit exists or forget to submit the required matching forms. When these programs are used properly, they create an incredible opportunity for generosity to multiply. When Faith-Based Ministries Are Excluded Unfortunately, not every nonprofit qualifies for these corporate matching programs. Many companies have policies that unintentionally—or sometimes explicitly—exclude religious organizations. These restrictions can appear in several forms. Some programs prohibit gifts that support “religious purposes” or “religious activities.” Others maintain internal lists of organizations that do not qualify. The result is that many churches and Christian ministries—organizations that provide food assistance, disaster relief, counseling, education, and global missions—can be excluded from receiving matching funds. This limits believers' ability to maximize the impact of their generosity when supporting ministries they care deeply about. Engaging Companies with Grace and Clarity This is where thoughtful engagement becomes important. GuideStone Funds invests in many companies through its portfolios, and that position allows their team to communicate directly with corporate leadership. Lofland explained that their approach begins with respect and understanding. Rather than assuming bad intentions, they approach these conversations with a constructive spirit—seeking to understand the goals of the company's charitable programs and highlighting the unintended consequences of certain restrictions. Often, companies simply haven't considered how their policies affect religious organizations. One recent example shows how effective this kind of engagement can be. GuideStone met with leadership at Boeing, an aerospace company that previously restricted matching gifts for religious purposes. After discussions with the company, Boeing reviewed its policy and ultimately expanded its matching program to include religious organizations. That change opened the door for access to hundreds of millions of dollars in potential matching funds each year.  It's a powerful example of how thoughtful dialogue can help remove barriers and create new opportunities for generosity. Expanding Kingdom Impact At the heart of this effort is a simple goal: strengthening the work of churches and ministries around the world. Matching programs allow believers working in every profession—engineering, finance, healthcare, education, and more—to extend the impact of their generosity. Even if their vocation isn't ministry, these programs allow them to invest more deeply in the ministries they support. When companies remove unnecessary restrictions, it helps unlock a significant wave of generosity that can support gospel-centered work in communities across the country and around the world. If your employer offers a charitable matching program, it's worth taking a few minutes to check whether your gifts qualify for a match. You may be able to double—or even triple—the impact of your giving with just a simple form. And when companies ensure that faith-based ministries are treated fairly alongside other nonprofits, it creates a more equitable system that allows generosity to flow freely toward the causes employees care about most. To learn more about GuideStone's approach to investing guided by biblical values, visit: GuidestoneFunds.com/Faith.  On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both around 59–60. She's retired and has about $450,000 in her TSP that we haven't touched. I'm retired from the state but now working a federal job with a smaller TSP. Since she's now eligible to draw from hers, we're wondering what the best option is—taking a lump sum and paying the taxes, leaving it invested, or starting monthly payments to supplement our income, especially with the market ups and downs. Also, over the next six months, I may resign from my federal job and begin receiving recurring payments from my $450,000 TSP to supplement my income. Would that be wise, and how would those withdrawals be taxed? On a previous program, you mentioned new tax limitations for 2026—possibly related to charitable giving or deductions. Could you clarify what those are? And regarding the new 0.5% floor, does that apply to each charitable gift or to the total of all charitable deductions? What are the key factors someone should consider when deciding when to start taking Social Security? My spouse and I are retired—ages 65 and 64—and living on about $7,000 a month after tax from a pension with no debt. Since we don't currently need Social Security, we could wait until full retirement age at 67. Does that affect the decision, and how does the guaranteed 8% annual increase work if we delay benefits? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) GuideStone Funds Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charitable organizations help MSP TSA agents stay afloat during the government shutdown; Was Britney set up? Her ex-personal assistant thinks so; Zendaya teases us with NOT clearing up rumors she is married; One Star Reviews and the Five second rule! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your generosity could be multiplied—without giving another dollar? Through corporate matching programs, billions are distributed each year, yet many faith-based ministries don’t qualify. What does that mean for believers who want their giving to have a greater impact? On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Will Lofland explain how these programs work and why fairness matters. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live . . . biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this gem of an episode, Dr. Nibodhi explores how Ayurveda and Vedic astrology function as sister sciences within the Vedic tradition. Together, these powerful systems offer insight into the timing of our health—periods of vitality, disease, and imbalance—and provide guidance on how to approach remedies, healing, and greater consciousness. Dr. Nibodhi is truly a master of his craft. He is a lifelong student and practitioner of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedic Astrology and Indigenous Wisdom traditions. He is certified in Vedic psychology/ counselling, clinical nutrition, & yoga teacher/ yoga therapy as well as numerous certifications and trainings in other fields of Health and Consciousness. While he has formally studied at numerous schools his most profound studies came from one on one training with numerous Vaidyas, Yoga masters, Shamans and Elders and Healers from the Vedic traditions as well as various indigenous traditions. He has more than 3 decades of studies and experience in mindfulness and tantric meditation practice and offers guidance in personal and private practice. He is the author of six books on health and consciousness.He offers Vedic/Ayurveda Consultations in person and online. Sessions with Nibodhi give clients a deeper understanding of their total state of health and provide tools for creating greater well-being in their lives. Ayurvedic consultations with Nibodhi are a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey towards optimum, radiant health and consciousness. Nibodhi listens with deep awareness to your health and life concerns. He determines and explains your unique constitution, and offers you a completely individualised approach and protocol that supports your health and life goals.Sessions with Nibodhi may include, but are not limited to, individualised nutrition, dietary, and herbal protocols, yoga and/or other exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, and lifestyle practices which are personalised to bring you into optimum balance.Since 2003 he has been living half of each year in Kerala, India serving in a 100% Non-profit/Charitable, Ayurveda and Naturopathy Wellness Center where he also has taught week long Ayurveda-Yoga intensives twice a year since 2013.https://www.instagram.com/dr.nibodhi/To find out more or sign up for a consultation, email:Dr.Nibodhi@gmail.com _____________________________________________________YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Charitable giving rules are changing in 2026, and many business owners have no idea their tax deductions could quietly shrink.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced new limits, floors, and deduction caps that change how charitable donations work depending on your income level and whether you itemize deductions. In some cases, you could donate the exact same amount and receive a smaller tax benefit than before.Today we're breaking down the new charitable giving tax rules, who wins under the new system, who loses, and how smart business owners can still give generously while protecting their tax strategy.

What happens to your soul when you let an algorithm do your thinking? Spoiler alert: it's not great. In this episode, Dr. Jeffery Skinner dives into the sneaky ways AI and digital platforms are reshaping our conscience and dulling our discernment. You might think you're just scrolling through memes or getting your daily news fix, but you're actually sidelining the part of you that wrestles with deeper questions about faith and morality. It's like outsourcing your soul's workout to a couch potato. We'll explore how this digital age affects our spiritual growth and discernment, and why it's crucial for us to reclaim our ability to think critically and seek God authentically. So grab your headphones, and let's get into why your soul might be missing out on some serious gym time while you're busy clicking ‘like' on everything.Scripture ReferencesRomans 12:2 — Transformation through the renewing of the mindHebrews 5:14 — Mature believers train themselves to discern good and evilMatthew 25:14–30 — The Parable of the TalentsLuke 6:40 — A disciple, when fully trained, will be like their teacherActs 15 — The Jerusalem Council as communal discernmentGalatians 5:13–25 — Life in the Spirit and formation of character1 Timothy 4:7–8 — Training in godlinessJAMES K.A. SMITH — Desiring the Kingdom & You Are What You Love Smith's big idea is that we are formed by what we habitually do, not primarily by what we intellectually believe. He draws from Augustine — we are lovers before we are thinkers. Our desires are shaped by repeated practices, or what he calls cultural liturgies.The Wesleyan Arminian angle: Smith gives us the mechanism of formation that Wesley always assumed but didn't systematize. Wesley's class meetings, his means of grace, his disciplined rhythms — these were all essentially liturgical formation practices. Smith helps you articulate why they worked and why their absence hurts.Key ideas to track down:∙ Liturgy as desire formation — practices shape loves before the mind engages∙ The mall as cathedral — his famous illustration of secular liturgies forming us toward consumption∙ Counter-formation requires intentional, embodied, communal practiceALAN JACOBS — How to Think (2017)Jacobs is winsome, careful, and genuinely funny. His core argument is that thinking well is not primarily an intellectual skill — it's a moral and social practice. We think badly not because we're stupid but because we're embedded in communities that reward certain conclusions and punish others.He introduces the idea of the “inner ring” — borrowed from C.S. Lewis — the social pressure to think like your tribe. Algorithms weaponize the inner ring. They identify your tribe, amplify its voice, and make departure feel socially costly.Key ideas to track down:∙ Thinking as a communal practice that can be corrupted by social incentives∙ The “repugnant cultural other” — his term for how we're trained to caricature those who think differently∙ Charitable interpretation as a spiritual disciplineJOHN DYER — From the Garden to the City (2011)Dyer is the most theologically careful of the group and writes from an evangelical framework that translates well into Wesleyan categories. His central argument is that technology is never neutral — it always shapes the user, not just the world the user acts on.He traces this from Genesis forward. Every technology from agriculture to the printing press to the smartphone changes what humans pay attention to, what they value, and ultimately who they become.Dyer gives biblical and historical credibility. This isn't a panic about modern machines — it's a pattern as old as humanity. The question has always been whether we are using tools or being used by them.Key ideas to track down:∙ Technology as transformation — it changes us, not just our circumstances∙ The Babel narrative as a technology cautionary tale∙ The difference between tools that extend human capacity and tools that replace human judgmentTRISTAN HARRIS — Humane Technology WorkHarris is not a theologian but he is our most credible secular witness. As a former Google design ethicist he speaks from the inside. His core argument is that social media and AI are not neutral platforms — they are persuasion engines optimized for engagement, which means optimized for outrage, anxiety, and compulsion.His most useful concept for your episode is “the race to the bottom of the brain stem” — the competition among tech companies to capture attention by appealing to the most reactive, least reflective parts of us.For Wesleyan Arminian framework: Wesley was deeply concerned with what he called the “carnal mind” — the unregenerate, reactive, self-centered orientation of the human soul. Harris, without knowing it, has mapped the technology infrastructure that feeds the carnal mind and starves the renewed one.Key ideas to track down at humanetech.com:∙ The asymmetry of power between algorithm and user∙ Engagement vs. wellbeing as competing design goals∙ His congressional testimony — specific, quotable, publicly availableSHOSHANA ZUBOFF — The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2019)Zuboff is dense but her core idea is accessible and important: human experience has become raw material harvested by technology companies to predict and modify behavior. She calls this behavioral modification at scale.I did not go deep into her economics. What matters is her moral argument: this system requires human beings to be predictable. And predictable people are, by definition, not growing. Not being transformed. Not surprising even themselves.The Wesleyan connection is sharp: entire sanctification, growth in grace, the Spirit's renewing work — all of these assume a human being who is genuinely changing. Surveillance capitalism needs you to stay the same. Grace refuses to let you.Key ideas to track down:∙ Behavioral surplus — the data harvested beyond what you knowingly give∙ The goal of certainty over human behavior as the system's deepest aim∙ Her concept of instrumentarian power — shaping behavior without direct coercionDALLAS WILLARD — Formation TheologyWillard isn't writing about AI but he is your theological backbone for the whole episode. His central claim is that spiritual formation is the church's primary task and that it requires intentional, disciplined, often uncomfortable engagement with practices that renovate the soul.His concept of “the gospel of sin management” is particularly useful. The critique that the church has reduced discipleship to behavior modification rather than genuine transformation of the whole person.For your Wesleyan Arminian framework: Willard was deeply influenced by Wesley, and his formation theology maps almost directly onto Wesley's via salutis — the way of salvation as a journey of genuine transformation, not just positional declaration.Key ideas to track down:∙ Spiritual disciplines as training, not trying — you don't try to run a marathon, you train for one∙ The renovated will as the goal of formation∙ “Non-discipleship is the elephant in the church” — this is one of his most quotable lines and widely attributed so worth verifyingReferenced ResourcesAndy Crouch — The Life We're Looking For (2022)James K.A. Smith — Desiring the Kingdom (2009) and You Are What You Love (2016)John Dyer — From the Garden to the City (2011)Reverend Dr. Tim Gaines-Christian Ethics (2021)Alan Jacobs — How to Think (2017)Shoshana Zuboff — The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2019)Shoshana Zuboff Youtube Harvard LectureTristan Harris — most of his quotable material lives at humanetech.com and his congressional testimonies, which are publicly searchable.The episode unfolds as a candid examination of how our reliance on artificial intelligence might be weakening our spiritual discernment and moral agency. Dr. Skinner introduces a fictional conversation where Mia, a young woman grappling with personal dilemmas, seeks advice from an AI. This scenario sets the stage for a larger discussion on the implications of turning to technology over human interaction for guidance. The AI, while appearing supportive and non-judgmental, represents a broader trend of individuals seeking validation and answers from algorithms, rather than engaging in the messy, beautiful work of community and spiritual growth. As the episode progresses, listeners are invited to reflect on their habits and the subtle shifts in their spiritual practices caused by digital engagement. Dr. Skinner articulates how algorithms prioritize efficiency and comfort, often at the expense of genuine moral engagement and personal growth. He details the necessity of re-establishing practices that encourage discernment, such as communal discussions and personal reflection, which can counteract the passive consumption of information. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: to put down our devices, engage with our conscience, and embrace the challenging yet rewarding path of spiritual formation that requires presence, conversation, and the courage to...

Tell Me Something Good is now its own podcast. Your daily dose of positive, uplifting news! What started as a simple hobby has turned into something so much more with a man is helping keep people warm in his community. Bobby turns this story into a challenge for Amy. Bobby also helps out a listener who is going on a first date on Valentine's Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.