More Tips on Giving Away your Cash

by Michelle Vandepas | More from this Blogger

23 Jan 2007 09:20 AM

In my last post I talked about giving away a bit of your cash. Start with a small amount, but do it every month and watch your horizons expand. The principles of giving can be found in every spiritual practice from Christian tithing to Hindi Seva (giving of yourself).

Why is giving encouraged? Giving does more for you than for the person receiving, although of course it helps the person in need as well. It helps build our inner strength, character, stretches our compassion, helps us live outside of our selfish selves.

In other words, giving is good for us.

Here are more tips to keep in mind when giving:

• If you give more than $100.00 in donations, get a tax receipt. Many places will give you a receipt for as little as $5.00, but others will not as they find the paperwork too extensive. Over $100.00 it is worth it, - or if you give to the same place each month, ask for one receipt at the end of the year totaling all your donations.

• Give with an open heart. Sounds easy right? Huh. I routinely give to a couple of families who need help with everything from the basics to Christmas presents. Last year I watched as one family didn't not have any decent food in the house, but spent my gift card on frozen pizza, and DVD's. That is not where I would have put a $50.00 gift card at Christmastime. Yet that is the whole point. I know the card was appreciated, and the family spent it where they choose. I did my part in giving. Next year maybe I'll give to someone else, or continue to give to this same family, but the point is, when you give, smile and let it go.

And one idea:

• Save all your spare change, (a more generous idea than this one), and put it all in a savings account. When you get enough cash donate away.

• Find a corporation to match your donations. Work with others to build a wave of donation in your community.

In my next post I'm going to talk about specific things I've done to help local causes and build community. Finances and Giving

Teaching Children about Giving

One view on tithing

Learn more about Michelle Vandepas

In a previous life, Michelle was president of a medical manufacturing company, and then in private practice as a holistic business consultant.

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