End-of-Year Giving: 5 Ways to Be More Generous

Time is currency. If you’re unsure about how much money to give or where to give money, give your time. When you give your time you’re building connections with people and causes. This will help you decide when, where, and how much money to give.

Automatic payroll deductions. Have your donations automatically deducted from your paycheck. Giving through the United Way is an easy way to give.

Electronic giving. If giving via payroll deduction isn’t an option for you, many organizations are set up for automated, electronic giving. Giving on a systematic basis makes it easy to be generous.

Donation of used goods. I’ve been gifted hand-me-down clothes and household items like furniture and appliances. I remember the person each time I use the items, which brings me joy. I also get joy when I see a friend using something I’ve given her. What items are you no longer using? Who could benefit from them? Before dropping your stuff off at Goodwill, ask a friend if she’d like to look at your things.

Hosting a dinner. Invite a friend over for dinner. Splurge on a special bottle of wine and the meal. You’ll make her day.   

And don’t forget! If you do give money or goods to a worthy charity of your choice, be sure to document the giving for an additional tax benefit.

Interview: Melissa Myers.

Melissa Myers, CFP® is a heart-centered financial planner and typically works with women who are solely responsible for their own financial future. She helps them align their money with their values so they can live their ideal lives and be a blessing to others.  Myers is a business owner, co-founder of Kar-Mel Financial Planners, creator of Sunkissed and Blessed lifestyle brand, and has been a featured guest on podcasts: Diary of a Small Town Girl and Casa DeConfidence.

Melissa is passionate about empowering women with money and is also the bestselling author of Going Rogue! Unconventional Financial Strategies for Women.