Donating to Charities

Do you donate to the same charities every year? Are they of your choosing for personal reasons? Or are they charities that have been handed down? (Mom always donated to this one...) Have you stopped with all charitable donations in this tough economic time?

What should you do? Should you stop if you donate because you need to save money?
Should you start if you do not donate because it will make you feel better? Improve your karma?

Will donating to charity make your children better people? Will you be more liked?

Look at it from a different perspective.

Charity begins at home--- save up for that rainy day

First and foremost build an emergency cushion of funds to last up to six months.
Set money aside every month into a retirement account.
Set money aside every month into a college account.

Now give. By providing monetary contributions to charities, we are actually better able to keep an eye on our own bottom line. It allows us to know just what we have and what we do not. No one is talking loads of money here. A few dollars can make a huge difference- both to the organization of your choice and you. Want to really feel like you are making a difference... donate locally this year, not nationally. Alternate yearly. Donate your time, not your money.

Destiny calling- invest in good deeds

How many of you have watched the movie Parenthood with Steve Martin? He has one line in the midst of having a "discussion" with his wife about how his whole life is 'have to'. Ever feel like that? Like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Really... you are Atlas now? A Greek god? I can assure you, you are not... not now and not ever shall be... Donate time or money because you want to, not because you feel you have to. That is not good karma.

Parenting 101- children are children

Encourage your child to donate their time or money (one week's allowance) and let them decide for themselves if donating is something they wish to continue by choice. Talk to them about their interests, desires, strengths and go from there. Is your child good with animals? What kind? Volunteer once a month at a local horse ranch. Donate needed items to your local animal rescue. Give to a food bank or clothing mission.

Bottom line... give because you want to, give because you can. If you cannot align yourself with these two simple principles, do not give this year. Wait until you can- give because you want to, and give because you can.

After all... it is better to give than to receive. Now that is good karma.