This is actually becoming a more frequent question and concern. Usually the Secretary of State will keep the activity and money of a particular organization (nonprofit) on their site for a download or mail out. The original idea behind a “Non Profit” organization was to create a lower to non tax-reporting rate for non-profits. This was so that organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and the like could be protected under “charitable” status for taxing purposes. The reputation of a Non Profit or a Not for Profit is that it does good works for the community AND the entity does not operate to make a profit. Today, that is incorrect. It is in place to create a profit. Most of us think that is so it can give more money or resources to the people they serve. What is seldom reviewed is how they are the spending, and especially in regards to salaries, perks, travel and bonuses. Are the salaries spiking, especially in higher end salaries, AND benefits? Are the donations staying on par with the expenses? How are funds being meted out to the public in need? It is a good time to check out your charity.
If you are looking for your credit “score”, you can go to any of the three major credit-reporting agencies. There will be a cost for your “score”. To find out your credit “report”, each of the three reporting agencies allow you a free report once a year. The best way to utilize this service is to spread your three reports thru different times throughout the year. Moreover, do that each year. It is important to view these. Does it show a debt you do not know of? A credit card you did not authorize. A debt that you know has already been satisfied, but not cleared at the agency level? This is your responsibility. In addition, if working with anyone with an impairment, disability or aging issue, it would be good to run one for them as well.
Usually no. I do not know of all jurisdictions, however, the purpose of a POA or Durable POA is to give authority to conduct your financial or medical decisions while you are still alive. Death nulls the document. A Will or Trust will then take over. If there is no Will or Personal Administrator, depending on the estate, the court may ask the POA to stay on until Estate is finished. If the Estate is minimal, next of kin, spouse or children hierarchy is then looked at. The same will usually apply if there is not a Power of Attorney in place. The hierarchy may differ by state. The usual lists of characters begin with spouse, children, extended family. Get your documents in order!
Well, let us look at this concept in a family setting. Healthy money is a realistic view of the past, current and future scenario of personal funds, people and needs. Sometimes it takes collaboration of more than one family member. It addresses what your base level of funds and activity is. Is it getting better or worse? Who are the people or circumstance that interjects in this process, and what are your goals and objectives? Money is not stagnant. It has a life, a personality and a purpose. It is also NOT a reflection of your personal value! Are you in debt and can’t understand why? Do you put your head in the sand and hope life will just make it better? Do you have people that influence how and what you do? Do you have short term and long-term goals?
Healthy money can refer to your knowledge of your personal situation. Realistically, it is taking the guesswork out of obtaining your financial goals. Not just monthly bill payments. To include your goals, commitments and process. Sometimes an outsider can help, and sometimes it just is about facing your situation and moving forward. There are many resources both online and in person that can assist. Most should be free tools.
In personal lives, business or any ongoing activity of people, a bad seed is an activity, person or influence that appears “normal” at first glance. When things go off the grid, it can often be tracked back to this item though. For instance, the “sense of entitlement” is an extremely strong emotion in our society, but personal responsibility is low. That is a deadly combination. For instance, our elders have saved wisely and lived frugally for the most part. That makes them a large red target for others who feel they “WANT OR DESERVE” and this vulnerable population can meet their needs. It can look like a Power of Attorney, Guardian, caregiver,or the child who never leaves. Not necessarily taking money, but applying for credit cards in another’s name, cashing the social security check for themselves, not the beneficiary, etc.
In business, the “it’s a large company, they won’t miss it”, or “my boss uses a large expense account, he won’t mind this..” or “I know I can get money from the cashier and tell her I’ll bring my receipt/goods in later..” This area often can be prescribed from a “tone at the top”. However, fraud goes both ways. In America, the largest amounts of money lost/taken is in mid to upper management, but the highest frequency of theft usually occurs in staff and hourly positions.
