The flu season is upon us, and if last year is any guide, it could be a bad one. Last year was one of the worst in recent history. For companies in the business of  helping people through their aches, pains, fevers, runny noses, and the rest, there is money to be made. But first you’ve got to find those people. To do that, companies are watching us. 

In this time of giving, roughly 25 percent of us choose to donate before the end of the year. And there’s a benefit to charitable giving beyond the warm and fuzzy holiday spirit — such donations can shave a bit off the year’s tax bill.