You've probably received the first of an avalanche of charitable giving mailers, emails and text appeals – and it's not even Halloween! 

Most people have preferences for their charitable donations, but events happen that can make you swerve. And, while your intentions are good, those who use fraudulent appeals are not as kind. 

Outsmart the Scammers

Scammers will try anything to make you think they're legitimate organizations that need your support, even making up names that sound very similar to legit charities. 

Your first step? Check them out. BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Watch offer reports and ratings regarding how charities spend donations and operate as organizations. Your state charity regulator also can confirm whether an organization is registered, which is generally required. 

Additional Steps to Protect Your Donations

• Consider your payment method. Pay by credit card or check only. If an organization insists on payment by cryptocurrency, gift card, payment app or wire transfer, it's likely not a legitimate charity. 
• Double-check that viral request. Appeals for charitable help spread like wildfire on social media. Before you get out your credit card, double-check all information in a social media message through provided web pages and additional resources. A few minutes of detective work can uncover scams and schemes.
• Ignore high-pressure "asks." If an organization presses you to "donate now" or peppers you with texts, emails and phone calls, be skeptical. Legit charities are grateful to accept your donations, whenever you choose to offer them. 

For more safety in charitable giving information, read Fidelity Investments' "Confident giving: Smart security tips for navigating scams" article. 

Learning the Fidelity and TIAA Way

Fidelity Investments and TIAA, U-M's longtime partners in administering its Retirement Savings Plans, offer monthly webinars and other educational forums to increase your knowledge about all things financial. These events can help you learn more about a subject that interests you, or freshen your existing knowledge about ever-changing money matters.

Fidelity and TIAA are both regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They also follow rules set by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the U.S. Department of Labor for retirement accounts. 

Upcoming Fidelity and TIAA webinars are listed below. All are free of charge and take place on Eastern Time.  

Fidelity

Women Talk Money: Step into Your Best Future
Wednesday, Nov. 4 – 2-2:45 p.m.

During this event, you'll learn:

• How to use your experiences to design a second or third act that reflects what matters most to you
• Real stories about how others are planning for and living in retirement
• Tips for transitioning from building and saving to spending and sustaining
• Ideas for leaving a legacy, making a positive impact and paying it forward

Year-end Giving Strategies
Thursday, Nov. 12 – 1-1:45 p.m.

During an upcoming season of giving, learn how to harness year-end tax incentives and maximize your charitable impact.

Topics will include:

• Ways to make your dollars go further while maximizing your tax benefits
• Why some people use a donor-advised fund instead of making direct gifts
• How to navigate current tax legislation changes before year's end

To view more educational events, go to the Fidelity Special Events Learning Center web page. 

TIAA

Financial Know-how Starts Here
Thursday, Nov. 12 – 11 a.m.

During this webinar, you'll learn how to take advantage of your workplace retirement plan so you can save and invest with confidence and get the most from your money. Topics will include:

• Optimizing your savings
• Taking advantage of advice
• Boosting your financial smarts

Myth-busting: Planning and Managing Healthcare Expenses
Tuesday, Nov. 24 – noon

During this webinar, you'll learn how to separate myth from reality when managing healthcare expenses in retirement. Topics will include:

• Medicare benefits: What’s covered, what isn't covered, and your options
• How to prepare for the costs of long-term care
• Health savings accounts and how they can help you save money for retirement

To explore TIAA's webinar library, go to the TIAA Webinars web page. 

Check In to Check Out

Events are great ways to increase your financial knowledge, but they can't replace personal connection with your TIAA or Fidelity retirement specialist. You can meet with a strategist virtually, by phone or in person for optimal convenience. Evolving technology allows them to screen-share so you can see your account information in real-time.  

To schedule your one-on-one appointment:

• Visit the Fidelity Scheduler web page or call (800) 642-7131, weekdays from 8 a.m. to midnight. Fidelity offers appointments exclusively for U-M employees every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Visit the TIAA scheduling web page or call (800) 732-8353, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Help at MHealthy

MHealthy also offers several resources to assist faculty and staff with improving their financial well-being. These include education programs and resources, coaches, and immediate assistance for those who need help now.