Real Money, Real Experts Tax-Smart Ways to Donate to Charities with Dr. Barbara O’Neill
Hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon welcome longtime AFCPE member Dr. Barbara O’Neill to discuss changes in financial planning over 40 years, including increased automation and the uncertain readiness of AI, alongside AFCPE’s growing membership diversity.
O’Neill defines tax-smart charitable giving as aligning donations with income-tax benefits and highlights additional psychological benefits of philanthropy.
She shares strategies including qualified charitable distributions from traditional IRAs, bunching deductions to exceed the standard deduction, donor-advised funds, and new 2026 charitable deductions for non-itemizers, while noting shifting tax rules for itemizers.
The conversation also covers older adults’ needs—lower risk, lower taxes, simplicity, reliable income, and “fun money”—popular later-life class topics, solopreneur advice, and the importance of making financial education simple and actionable.
Show Notes:
00:00 Meet our guest, Barbara O'Neill
02:16 How Finance Has Changed
03:08 AI and the Human Touch
05:48 Tax Smart Giving Basics
14:41 Keeping Up With Tax Law
15:37 Giving Tips for Young Adults
17:57 Older Adults Money Needs
27:10 Late Life Entrepreneurship
33:01 Barbara's Two Cents
Show Note Links:
Connect with MoneyTalk on Twitter!
Grab your copy of Barbara's book!
Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!
Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.