The holidays are upon us, and with it comes the inevitable bombard of requests from various charities. There is not enough money to donate to everyone, so how do you decide who makes the cut, and who doesn’t?
The motivational Jim Rohn, an iconic figure for personal finance advice, said to allocate 10% of our incomes to help those less fortunate. Charity is a way of giving back to the world and society that shaped us, and allowed for our success. While 10% is not a requirement nor a maximum limit, we all are constrained by how much we are able to give.
While it can be hard to say no to people in need, it is important to stick to our financial plan, even when it comes to charity. With hundreds of worthy causes, we need to identify the ones that speak to us directly.
Who makes the cut?
This is a very personal question, which you must answer for yourself. Often the causes we support are ones we hold near and dear to our hearts; a loved one is sick with a rare disease, or we have a soft spot for furry four legged creatures. Whatever the cause, staying true to who you plan to help will enable you to give more generously to those causes that speak to you.
Avoid the Guilt trip
We’ve all been there, walking into the grocery store, and someone approaches you. They spill out a long sad story of a family in need this holiday season. But you can be the hero, you can help them with just a few dollars!
It’s a very sad fact that others in our society are struggling to get by on a daily basis. But you can’t save them all, and sooner or later you are going to have to say no, not today. The charity fundraisers will do all they can to make you feel guilty for “turning your back” on others. This is why you need to know what charities you support, which ones are going to receive your donations. Knowing that you are helping a worthy cause helps prevent those feelings of guilt that you have as you walk away from yet another outstretched hand.
The important thing is that you know who you want to support, which causes are just, what aid you can provide. There are many others just like you, each who have their own causes. While you may be trying to save the whales, let someone else save the children, and another save the trees. We can’t change the world alone, which is okay, because we aren’t alone. There are millions of other people out there doing their part to make the world a brighter place. And knowing that, you shouldn’t feel guilty, instead you should feel proud of the ray of light and hope that you can cast on your worthy causes.
Give generously to the causes you support this season of giving, and feel proud in the knowledge that you are doing your part to make the future just that little bit brighter.