How to Give Generously [Without Breaking the Bank]

I'm a giver. I love to give gifts, or help people out, give extra money on tips. My husband is not a giver, and I hate for my giving to cause strife at home - so here are some creative ways to give.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kind heart
• Giving nature
• Little money
• Coupons

1. CLIP ALL COUPONS - You may be clipping something you don't use/want/need but if you go to a store that triples coupons and get something virtually free - you can donate it to local charities in your area. Think diapers for a young mother, denture cream for a senior citizen - things like that make a huge difference on a fixed income.

2. BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION / CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS - Schools should collect these. If your child's school does not take advantage of this, look into it. I don't have children so I save my box tops and soup labels for a girl at work. Every little bit helps schools.

3. UPROMISE.COM - 4 years ago my friend sent me an invitation to shop through Upromise.com on behalf of her daughter. My shopping has added over $50 to her college account. Not much, but, again every penny counts. Plus, I'm not the only one who signed up to help her either.

4. GIFT CARDS - Do you shop at Target each week? or Wal-Mart? or Petsmart? Grocery store? Starbucks? If you get a gift card and put a $10 credit on it - and add $2 every week, by Christmas you would have a $100+ balance on the card. Wouldn't that be a wonderful gift for a single parent to buy extra Christmas gifts? Would you miss $2 a week, or $5? So simple. Starbucks would be great for the college kid with good grades. It's so easy to do in baby steps.

5. CA$H - I am not good at giving cash to local charities, or panhandlers BUT I am a good tipper. I've waited tables before, and that's hard work. One night I got a $20 tip for a $12 order. It was a night that I needed some validation, and encouragement. One thing I'm starting new this year is I'm utilizing my Christmas Club account as my "giving account". I'm putting back $1/day and looking for a local waitress who will get a $100 tip. The rest will be for whatever strikes my fancy to give to in the Christmas season.

Tips & Warnings

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 reminds us God loves a cheerful giver. Give cheerfully, lovingly and prayerfully. Don't give what hurts you, or doesn't feel right.
• This is contagious.
• You may never know how your gift, be it big or small, may help someone in their time of need - don't give for a thanks, you may never receive it.

Resources

• Article about Upromise.com
• Boxtops for Education
• Campbell's Labels for Education
• Give Generously - Community Groups/Sunday School

[sneedc]

on 12/23/2008 Never in one million years would I have come up with your credit card add on $2 per week savings plan. Sure beats the Christmas Club at my bank. HOLY SMACKERONIS! THANKS DESULA, you RULE-AH

[SpiderWriter]

on 5/5/2008 Great point, especially about tipping. I always tip well, it's such an easy way to make someone's day.

[JasneJ]

on 5/3/2008 Great creative ideas. Also,consider donating a percentage of your profits to a charity Or linking them to your website!

[leannec71]

on 5/2/2008 I have the same situation with my husband and this sounds like a great way for me to give to charity also.

[Gracie1402]

on 5/1/2008 How awesome! I too love to give, you never know how that $100- or even $20- is going to bless someone! Great article 5 stars (I would give you 6 if I could!!)