People get confused about giving when you are on a budget. During the last string of devastating hurricanes, it came to light in the news that the majority of givers – donators to various causes, are regular people with low to middle class incomes. Not the rich guys with bundles to spare.
Giving helps the one who gives. It is one of those strange phenomenons – that giving actually helps your heart, making it stretch. When you give to others you can see the good in humanity and feel part of a bigger world. It is all about you baby!
You give and you feel better.
So how much to give and to whom?
If you belong to a church, you’ll be asked for 10% of your income, but in reality, many people only give between one and three percent of the after tax income. If you don’t belong to a church maybe you throw some toward an organization during natural disasters and give your outcast clothing to the thrift store.
What if you could do more without it hurting your budget? Make your dollars mean something?
Number one rule of course: Budget your Giving! Put an amount, any amount, in the very top line of your budget. Start with $50.00, no – $10.00 even, and every single month make that money work for you. As you are able, grow your giving fund.
1. Buy extra canned goods when you see them on sale. Encourage your children to drop them into donation slots around town. Call your local food bank and ask them what they need the most. Watch for those items on sale. Also ask where drop off collection points are. Use it as a teaching moment with your children.
2. Give at other times besides the holidays. Many people give during the end of the year, but the homeless need blankets in the summer as well! (Unless you live in Hawaii – Big Sigh). Your donation will be very appreciated.
3. Although you can’t give home baked goods to food banks, you can give home made cookies to your neighbor who needs a boost, your friend who lost her mom, your co-worker whose toddler is driving her crazy. Giving takes many forms.
4. Sell your crafty items for charity. Do you crochet? Knit, do Scrapbooking? Sell your expertise and your finished goods and donate all or part of the proceeds. You might also find an organization who’ll take your items outright and auction them off.
The most important thought is to find a cause that you are passionate about – the elderly, the homeless, children in Africa, Aids, Hurricane Katrina – wherever you feel your heart take a little jolt, and give a bit.
You’ll feel better.
Did you notice I put this in the luxury living category?
Next up: More tips on giving it away.
What to do with unwanted gifts