The earthquake, and the Tsunami that followed, in Japan were terrible and unfortunate events. As I see the images on TV and the internet, I ask myself what I can do. How can I help? Anyone who has read Money Smart knows I believe in giving back. I am a firm believer in giving and volunteering, not only of your money but your time. We have become a global community and it is important for us personally and globally to reach out and try to help.
Whenever you do chose to donate, however, be sure to make it count. Do some research online on the charity you choose. It pays to do a little bit of homework to insure that most of the donation is going to be used to help the cause, rather than go to fees and administration, and to be sure that it is going specifically to the cause of your choice rather than to the organization’s efforts in general.
Avoid giving money in response to a telephone solicitation. It is typically a solicitation company employee calling rather than someone who works for the charity. Commonly over 50% of a donation goes to the solicitation company rather than the charity it represents.
So give back whenever you can. Make that donation and make it count.