How to Donate Money While on Budget
The Challenge:
Don't go grocery shopping this week. Take the money you would normally spend on groceries and give that money to a charity of your choice. Eat from your reserves.
The Method:
1) Talk to your family about what you are planning to do. Explain to your children that they may have to make some sacrifices in the coming week. Instead of their favorite cereal, they may have to have a bowl of oatmeal for a few days. Make it fun, not a chore. Give them as much choice and input as is practical and appropriate. They may surprise you with some good ideas! Let them know that they are helping others by making some sacrifices of their own.
2) Buy only staples. To make it a workable plan, buy milk, eggs and bread if necessary. Other than that, challenge yourself to make do with what you have.
3) Take stock in your pantry and freezer. Make a list of the canned and frozen foods that have found a home in the dark corners of your cupboards.
4) Create a menu for the week from what you have on your list. You will need to get creative. Use a search engine to find recipes that will help you make the most of the ingredients you have on hand. Simply type in a few ingredients and the word "recipe" and see what you get.
5) At the end of the week, take a check to the donation center of your choice. To make it real for everyone, make a trip to the facility you have chosen to support rather than mailing the check. Putting faces to the abstract can leave an impression that may help you on your way to making giving a habit.
Giving has a way of liberating you from the bondage of money. Doing it as a family, can create a teachable moment that can last a lifetime.
Published by Laura Kuehn, LCSW - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Laura is a licensed child and family therapist with over 15 years experience. She is passionate about partnering with parents to help them achieve their parenting goals and does so through information and se... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentYou are right. We are better off than a lot of people. We can give of even our meager and limited resources. I absolutely love the last paragraph in the conclusion.
What an excellent method for giving on any budget. Thanks for sharing!
in the leanest of times, caring hearts shine brightest! good article!
Marvelous article sensible suggestions. We can all make a small sacrifice to help others in need~
great advice