About five years ago, “Giving Tuesday” was created and is celebrated the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This day celebrates and encourages giving in both monetary and non-monetary ways. Just on that day alone, approximately $117 million was raised online for charities. The increased awareness for charitable giving is a testament to the
good hearted and selfless nature of many individuals and corporations.

We here at Carnegie recently spent an afternoon cooking lunch for those in residence at the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland. Sometimes it’s best to get away from the grind of “every day” life and give back to those in need and less fortunate. As someone who spends the majority of his days in the office, I really enjoyed preparing a meal together for those in need with my fellow co-workers. 

One of the ways we have helped encourage charitable giving is through the use of Donor Advised Funds.

Since 1907, "Be Prepared” has been the motto for millions of Boy and Girl Scouts around  the world. The expression represents the constant readiness and willingness in both mind and body to do the right thing at the right moment. You don’t have to be a scout to understand the motto applies to all of us. Here are five components of a strong financial plan:

This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated to reflect current resources as of February 2026.

Have you had the talk yet?  No, not “that talk”.  To mix a metaphor, the birds and the bees are already out of the barn at this point. 

The talk we're refering to here is about your financial plan. The next time your family gathers for a holiday or special occasion may be a good opportunity to start the conversation. Below are some practical tips you can use to get the conversation started.

This article was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated in February 2026 to reflect current information.

Interest rates are one of those economic topics that show up constantly in headlines, but rarely get explained in plain language. When rates are low, it can feel like “good news” across the board. Cheaper borrowing. Easier financing. More activity.

But low interest rates have a tradeoff. They help some people and businesses while actually creating challenges for others.

Here’s what low interest rates really mean, and where the benefits and risks tend to show up.

This article was originally published in December 2014 and has been updated in February 2026 to reflect current information.

If you have children or grandchildren and have the soaring costs of college education on your mind, you might want to consider a 529 plan as part of an overall long-term savings strategy.

Why do I need to think about my collection in terms of wealth management?

Numerous studies, including one operated by BMO Private Bank, have suggested that 10% to 25% of a family’s net worth can be comprised of art, jewelry or collectibles. This can be the result of a passionate hobby that is enjoyed throughout the course of one’s life or the result of an inheritance. Given the demand for rare artifacts of legitimate value, the price of these items can be astoundingly high.