Many financial gurus extoll the virtues of giving, and even indicate that giving is part of successful finances. At first glance, it seems counter-intuitive to think that your financial situation can be improved when you give your money away. However, if you take some time to think about it, you will find that there really are some solid reasons to involve yourself in charitable giving.
Conscious Spending as You Attempt to Budget According to Your Values
One of the most important things you can do for your finances is to budget according to your values. Are you spending money on the things that are most important to you? What are your priorities? If charitable giving is important to you, then, by necessity, you need to make sure that you have the money to complete the transaction. This forces you to make better choices overall in your financial life. When you really think about your values, and make it a point to fund the things most important to you, your choices when directing your financial resources will improve, to the overall improvement of your finances.
Increased Contentment
Giving has a way of reminding us that others probably have it worse than we do. Instead of focusing on materialism and what you think you want, when you see those in need, it’s easier to recall the nice things in your life. Giving pulls you out of yourself, and lets you see how much you really have. Giving encourages contentment. And there is no better cure for impulsive, wasteful spending than being happy with what you already have.
Tax Advantage
You receive a tax advantage when you donate to charity. It’s not the same as a dollar-for-dollar advantage, but in Canada you receive a federal credit and a provincial credit for donating to a qualified charity. In the United States, there is a tax deduction that reduces income, and, by extension, the tax bill. In any case, there is a tax advantage to donating, so giving your money away doesn’t result in a complete monetary loss.
While many people don’t donate because of the tax advantage, it is a nice bonus, and something to keep in mind as you make your charitable donations.
Community Improvement
When you carefully choose the charity that you donate to, you can improve your community. While I do give to a larger organization, I also like to focus my efforts on community charities that help the people that live hear. When you donate to charity, you can help set positive things in motion, and improve your community. Community improvement, whether it’s helping to clean up a rundown area, provide meals to children, or aid in education, can result in good things for everyone. Property values, commerce, and quality of life in general can be improved with the help of charitable donations — especially when used in a community. The impact can be profound. It may not be a direct financial improvement for you, but over time it’s an investment that can pay real dividends for your life, and the lives of those around you.
Remember: Charitable Donations Don’t Have to Be About Money
Of course, it’s important to remember that charitable don’t have to be about money. If you don’t have the financial resources to give what you would like, then you can improve your community, and donate other things. Donations of goods can be helpful, as can your donation of time. Volunteer to help out at a charity, and you will meet interesting people, and advance in ways that might surprise you.
Volunteering can be a good way to meet people who are influential in your community, and grow your network. It’s possible to improve your career (and your financial situation as a result) with the help of people you meet while doing volunteer work. While you probably aren’t volunteering at the soup kitchen in the hopes that it will lead to a meeting with a local business leader, that is one of the possible perks.
Additionally, you show your character when you volunteer your time. People like to help the helpful. When you show that you support your community, and that you are interested in the good of the community, you can drum up support. If you decide to start a business, or if you have some other venture in mind, people are more willing to work with you when they see what you have accomplished in the community. Doing community service and helping out with charity work can be a great way to improve your visibility.
Bottom Line
Giving back is important. Even if it never substantially helps your financial situation, charitable giving can come back to help you later. There are charities that work towards all sorts of causes, like health issues, environment issues, and issues in the community. There is something for everyone’s interests. Even those who aren’t particularly religious often recognize that “what goes around comes around.” If you want sound finances, it doesn’t hurt to help others. Give money, or volunteer your time and talents. You’ll be better organized in life and finances, and you’ll feel better about your situation. You might even end up with tangible benefits. At the very least, though, you’ll enjoy a good dose of the “warm fuzzies.”
So, do you give to charity? If you do, what advantages have you found in doing so? If you don’t give to charity, why not?
Give to Charity and Help Your Finances — 12 Comments
I always thought that if everyone in a community spent one day a year on volunteerism, the world world be a much better place. I also think that giving is a character trait that makes you a better person. I really dislike people’s entitlement to things. It’s the opposite of giving. Instead of thinking, what do I deserve to have, you can say, what do I have to give? Which person would you rather hang out with, the mooch, or the giver?
I like this idea of everyone spending a day volunteering each year. That’s so great! And you’re right; the world would be a much better place if there were more givers than takers.
Charitable giving is a wonderful concept. Personally, I like it, because it makes me feel good to know that what I give will in some way improve the lives of others. The point that you made about giving other things rather than money is excellent. Many people tend to think of charitable giving as more of a money thing. It’s not always just about what you give from your pocketbook. It’s really about what you give from your heart.
Great reminder that it’s all about the heart. If you can’t give money, you can get creative about how you give to others. Service can be a great way to give to others.
I like your perspective. Especially, when you noted that giving should be included in your budget. But I also enjoyed reading that giving is not always about giving money–volunteering your time is just as valuable if not even more.
I love the idea of charitable giving whether it’s supporting your world or community. I think it has to be from the heart…especially because in the US the minimum standard deduction is $3,800. If you’re able to give more than that and do, God bless you. But for the average Joe it has to be a motivation of the heart. I like how you point out it makes you more conscience of how you’re spending your money.
Thanks for your kind words! I agree that it should be from the heart. That is the best motivation, whether you give money, or give your time and talents.
Helping someone is always worthwhile. However, you don’t have to give money. As mentioned in the comments above, it doesn’t just have to be about money. Volunteer for a cause you believe in, or help your neighbors. There are plenty of ways to give, even when you don’t have the financial resources to give money.
Many financial gurus extoll the virtues of giving, and even indicate that giving is part of successful finances. At first glance, it seems counter-intuitive to think that your financial situation can be improved when you give your money away. However, if you take some time to think about it, you will find that there really are some solid reasons to involve yourself in charitable giving.
I always thought that if everyone in a community spent one day a year on volunteerism, the world world be a much better place. I also think that giving is a character trait that makes you a better person. I really dislike people’s entitlement to things. It’s the opposite of giving. Instead of thinking, what do I deserve to have, you can say, what do I have to give? Which person would you rather hang out with, the mooch, or the giver?
I like this idea of everyone spending a day volunteering each year. That’s so great! And you’re right; the world would be a much better place if there were more givers than takers.
Charitable giving is a wonderful concept. Personally, I like it, because it makes me feel good to know that what I give will in some way improve the lives of others. The point that you made about giving other things rather than money is excellent. Many people tend to think of charitable giving as more of a money thing. It’s not always just about what you give from your pocketbook. It’s really about what you give from your heart.
Great reminder that it’s all about the heart. If you can’t give money, you can get creative about how you give to others. Service can be a great way to give to others.
I like your perspective. Especially, when you noted that giving should be included in your budget. But I also enjoyed reading that giving is not always about giving money–volunteering your time is just as valuable if not even more.
Thanks 🙂 I really do think it’s important to help others when you can, with the resources and talents that you have.
You can say its a good financial karma.
So true!
I love the idea of charitable giving whether it’s supporting your world or community. I think it has to be from the heart…especially because in the US the minimum standard deduction is $3,800. If you’re able to give more than that and do, God bless you. But for the average Joe it has to be a motivation of the heart. I like how you point out it makes you more conscience of how you’re spending your money.
Thanks for your kind words! I agree that it should be from the heart. That is the best motivation, whether you give money, or give your time and talents.
It’s never to late to start giving, and looking for opportunities to help — even if you give something other than money.
Helping someone is always worthwhile. However, you don’t have to give money. As mentioned in the comments above, it doesn’t just have to be about money. Volunteer for a cause you believe in, or help your neighbors. There are plenty of ways to give, even when you don’t have the financial resources to give money.