While I’d like to take credit for thinking of this one, it’s really Suze Orman who inspired me to do this in my own life. I had read her 
book, “The Courage to Be Rich, Creating a Life of Financial and Spiritual Abundance,” and this was one of her ideas that really stood out. Basically, the thought is if you give to someone else, it makes you feel like you have something to give, and that feels good. So even if you can’t afford a chai latte every day, when you really think about it, there are people and animals that are much worse off than you. Her book also states that by giving to charity, you will become richer by doing so. I think that’s true both spiritually and materially. Even if you have just a little, for someone less fortunate, it can go a long way. Maybe it’s that whole law of the universe kind of a thing. When you give, you get back. The true challenge I’ve found is not the giving – it’s who to give to. You want to make sure that your hard-earned money is going where it really needs to go. And not into the pocket of some administrator.
Word to the wise: Give a little and you’ll get a lot. But just make sure you do your research. A great place to start is www.charitywatch.org. It rates charities on how they spend your money. And hey, anything you give is also a tax write-off. Now don’t you feel richer already?
Have any favorite charities? Note: If I’m lucky enough to get a book deal, your comments may be published anonymously in “Wise Before 25, 50 Things Young Women Should Know.”
Wise Before 25 
Kiva.org is a great international micro lending nonprofit. I contributed only $100 five years ago and that small amount has helped many people in several different countries. As a lender you’re able to withdraw your money after let’s say a teenaged entrepreneur, a roadside fruit vendor from from Papua/New Guinea, pays backs her loan of $25 after 9 months. But, I just let it ride. I sure don’t miss what my ATM doesn’t know about.
And of course, there is the charity of college-aged children – many of my friends give and give to that one 🙂
This may be my favorite so far! So true. And biblical too!
I highly recommend sponsoring kids. It’s fun to keep track of them and watch your investment grow – literally. Time is also another great thing to give. Sometimes it’s easier to throw money at a problem. Much more difficult to give time, at least for me. But it too pays dividends. And can take your mind off yourself and your problems in the process.
Yes, at some point, I do need to give my time as well. Have to find a good cause that won’t break my heart by being around it. So animals are probably out. I’ll have to give that one some thought. In the mean time, I’ll just keep throwing money and hope it helps 🙂