The goal of many people is to be rich. To most this simply means having enough so that they do not need to worry about supplying themselves, and their families, with the necessities of life. This also means that there is a lot more to life than what money provides. Some of the wealthiest people on the planet do not live a rich life. Living a rich life means having fun and doing what you like. At the end of the day you should be able to relax and think it was a day well lived. Sometimes the best way to get that fulfilled feeling is to give it away.
Giving Time
Charitable organizations always need money. It costs money to keep them in business helping people. Just as important as the finances, is manpower. These organizations almost always have something going on that could use extra help. Calling up your favorite charity and finding out how you can pitch in will cost you nothing except some time, and you will get “paid” with making new friends and sometimes lunch will be provided. Volunteering does not have to be strictly about you giving up your time because those friends and connections you make might come back around to help you down the road. If you have a business that needs clients, you will have a whole set of new people to call on. Maybe someday you will find yourself in need of a job, and one of your new friends will have a lead for you.
Giving Resources
In the grand scheme of things, you make plenty of money. In fact, if you make $50,000 per year you make more than 99.02% of everyone in the world (see where you rank at globalrichlist.com). That said, you have more than enough to give back to those who are less fortunate. Just a few dollars per month will go a long way in the lives of others. While socialism as an economic model rarely works, philanthropy as a personal model is a great thing. Setting aside a small portion of your income to help those in need will help get rid of the “bad” things in the world. Don’t have enough cash left over each month to give some away? I’m sure you have possessions that sit around and collect dust. Drop them off at Goodwill or another thrift store. You can always get a receipt for your gifts (cash or otherwise) and deduct them off your taxes.
Most of the time it feels really good to give away time, possessions, or money. As members of thriving western cultures we have more than enough to live on. Even after giving it away, we will still have enough to take care of ourselves and our families. By giving it away you will live a rich life, and help others to live rich lives of their own. If you have not yet started giving it away, try it out. Even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way if given from the heart.
I’m a huge, huge fan of philanthropy and giving back. Love this post 🙂
Thanks Anne 🙂
That’s so very true. We donate canned goods, health and beauty and sometimes pet food each month when we can especially if we find a great deal with coupons. We also freecycle items we no longer need so we donate them to those who can use them. We believe in giving back when we can and any time of year is the best time and will always be appreciated. Mr.CBB
Right there with you. If I can get something free or close to free and it’s something I don’t use I will give it away.
Really love this article. It is so true and is basically what I have tried to build my blog around at frugal habits. Real joy is found in blessing others.
I have always been the person who loves giving gifts more than receiving them. I find more joy in seeing other peoples face when they are happy.
Thank you for this reminder.
If giving money to a charitable organization is important, and you want to do it regularly (once a month), then put a line item in the monthly budget for giving. In fact, put it as the first line in the budget before you pay any other bills.
If I wait until the end of the month to see what’s left over to give, I guarantee you I won’t have anything left over. I can always find something else to spend my money on.
I kind of want to give this article a big ol’ hug. WELL DONE, sir!
The article hugs you right back 🙂
Love this. I’m definitely going to be giving my time this year through being a mentor and am still planning on giving some money to a local charity (still have decided which one yet though).
Sometimes the non-financial donation can go a lot further for a person in need
I think that giving back to this world is absolutely one of the keys to happiness.. We always try to do what we can, especially this time of year.. Even as we are climbing out of debt, we find a way to help those in need..
-jefferson
I work for a very well off dentist. Every year the staff gets together and pools their money for a Christmas gift for him. While I agree he’s a great man who deserves recognition, pooling our measly 20.00 is hardly a good use of funds, the man runs million dollar dental practices he doesn’t NEED anything we can buy him. If he wants it he will buy it. He is generous himself often comping dental services rendered and he even bought a patient of ours shoes when he showed up in complete distress (he’s homeless by his own choice but the Dr continues to see him for free, since he’s treated his family for years). ANYWAY last year I decided enough was enough and we weren’t wasting our hard earned money on him, the staff put all their money together and sponsored a local family from a church. We gave the money to the church and they bought toys for their 2 kids and a giftcard for the grocery store so they could have Christmas dinner worry-free. I loved it, so did the Dr.
I definitely realize I need to be better about giving to others. It’s one of my goals for 2013