Wealth Blog

Heavy-hitters such as billionaire businessmen Bill Gates and Warren Buffet often take center stage when talk turns to charitable giving, but a new segment of do-gooders has been grabbing headlines: celebrity philanthropists, or “celanthropists.” While actors Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Bono are well-known for their causes, the newest star to emerge in

Are you planning to focus more on your waistline or your finances in the new year? A survey by Allianz Life found that while 49 percent of Americans said they were more likely to make and keep a New Year’s resolution tied to diet and exercise, only 43 percent said they’ll keep one that leads

If you earned $150,000 per year, would you say you were rich? How about if you had a total net worth of $1 million? The top 10 percent of wage-earners bring home $150,000 per year, and, according to the results of a Gallup poll, that’s the median salary required to be rich. Men by and

For another year, the gift tax rate favors wealthy taxpayers who want to reduce their estate and at the same time make a financial gift. For the remainder of 2011 and through 2012, individuals can give up to $13,000 to as many recipients as they’d like without owing gift taxes. Unlimited financial gifts can be

Americans have always been known as being generous. Times of crises bring out the best in us, and we’re quick to respond with offers of money and on-the-ground efforts to help. But a new survey makes it official. According to CAFAmerica’s World Giving Index, the U.S. ranks first globally in charitable giving this year, up

In my weekly appearance with Gary Goldberg’s “Money Matters” radio program, we discussed Bankrate’s December Financial Security Index and related economic trends. Here’s a partial transcript of my comments: In December, we actually saw a nice uptick in consumers’ financial security. We’re ending the year on a higher note than we’ve seen in the past

One of the informal yardsticks of financial success is to ask whether you are better off than your parents. According to a recent survey, the answer depends on whether you’re a man or woman. Women make $1.17 for every $1 their mothers earned 30 years ago but men are making 10 cents per hour less

Just because the rich and famous can afford the best legal representation for their estate, doesn’t mean they don’t make mistakes — sometimes enormous errors that not only greatly diminish the value of their assets through legal fees, but tarnish the image of the family whose founder worked so hard to earn the fortune. Too

One of the fastest-growing segments of the retail industry is on track to have a prosperous holiday season, especially since stores have begun leasing space in more upscale neighborhoods. Consignment and thrift stores that sell used merchandise have proven alluring to those looking to cut back on price but not quality. According to U.S. Census

Giving with no strings attached and no expectation of acknowledgement has to be the sweetest form of charity. And when times are hard, many donors find that giving directly to a person who doesn’t anticipate it provides even more gratification. Three Michigan shoppers were surprised to find that their Kmart layaway bills had been nearly