Giving

March 23, 2011

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.

by Ted Hunter

December 13, 2010

Times are tough and the holidays are hectic. But I would like you to take the time this busy holiday season to consider something that I think is essential to your well-being, financial and otherwise. Giving.

Giving doesn’t have to be limited to money. A wonderful gift can be just to give a little of your time and attention. Maybe it’s just driving an old neighbor to the store to go shopping, or helping a kid with a school project.

When you do, you’ll find an amazing thing happens. When you give, you get back all that you gave and more. Try it, and see for yourself. Many very wise people have learned this truth down through the ages and written about it. There are many popular books on this subject that you can read, or you can just try it for yourself and see the result.

Do, however, be cautious when donating to insure you really are making a difference. Don’t give money in response to a telephone solicitation. You are probably talking to a solicitation company employee and not someone who works for the charity. It is quite common for over 50% of your donation to go to the solicitation company as their fee.

Most importantly, don’t limit yourself to third parties. Help someone you know directly. Start with a couple of hours of your time or maybe just twenty bucks. See for yourself how great that feels and how you are rewarded many times over. Make it a regular occurrence and watch how the world gives back to you.

Whatever the option, put giving high on the holiday must-do list. Giving is better than receiving. Find out that wonderful truth this holiday season. You won’t regret it.

Make Your Donation Count: Helping the Japanese Relief Effort

Give That Donation, Even When You Think You Can