- Don’t fall for Ebola frauds: Verify legitimacy of requests for Ebola-related charitable contributions with Charity Navigator (CharityNavigator.org), GuideStar (GuideStar.org) or another vetting organization.
- Keep singing Happy Birthday : National Hand-Washing Awareness Week is December 7 to 13. Wash hands thoroughly throughout the day for at least 20 seconds—the time it takes to sing the song twice. Soap and water are best. If unavailable, use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Scrub under your nails—and stop biting or chewing them.
- Finalize Medicare changes: Sunday, December 7, is the deadline for changing Medicare health/prescription drug coverage. More information: Medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf
- Add more meaning to the holidays: Giving Tuesday is December 2. Plan what you can give to people in need-money, time, goods, services.
- Consider donating appreciated stock: If you donate shares held for more than one year, you can deduct the full fair-market value from your taxes, not just the purchase price. Don’t donate depreciated stock. You lose the opportunity for a deductible capital loss unless you actually sell it.
- Get free, last-minute shipping at many online retailers: Thursday, December 18, is Free Shipping Day. Offers and coupon codes go live at 12:01 am EST. FreeShippingDay.com
- Bring home the joy: For recipes, decorating tips and ideas for family fun, see our Holiday Entertaining Guide at BottomLinePublications.com/HolidayGuide.
