Donating to a good cause gives immense satisfaction but this is often a dilemma for many people. You may genuinely want to help but your finances may not be a in a great state to support the cause. Tight budgets usually stand in the way, with monthly expenses such as groceries, rent, medical bills, and car payments eating up most of your income. Still, you can find a way if you are serious about making a difference. Here are some useful pieces of advice for people who want to start donating despite their shoestring budgets.
Choose a cause that really matters to you
Passion is perhaps the number one thing that drives the conscious efforts of people who want to start budgeting for donations. Giving money involves sacrifice and it is easier to sacrifice for something you are passionate about. Instead of donating randomly, find a cause that resonates with your values. You may want to help to feed the hungry, educate children, promote pet care or anything else; if you do it for something you believe in, you are most likely to make an effort.
Set up a dedicated savings account for donations
If you are good at managing money, you will probably have a savings account. You can go the extra mile by creating a dedicated savings account for donations rather than just having one for yourself. You don’t even need to have a bank account; a piggy bank will be good enough. Stick to adding a set amount in this account every month and throw in some extra when possible. Ensure that you never use this money on anything but donations.
Donate while you shop
Homeowners who are pressed with monthly bills and expenses can get smart with household shopping if they are really passionate about helping the ones in need. For example, you can shop at one of the retail locations of Mersgoodwill.org and the proceeds from your purchases go towards charity. You end up donating for the better of the community, without actually paying anything out of your pocket.
Choose something you can sacrifice
Giving becomes easy when you are willing to make conscious choices about things you can sacrifice. Is there a jacket you have never worn or a couch you have never used? Just give them to someone in need. Avoid the habit of clinging to things and donate in-kind if you don’t have spare cash. You can cut back on the extra spending like skipping weekend dinners and giving the cash to charity instead.
Remember that small is big
Don’t let the thought of not having a lot to give dissuade you from starting. Remember that even small donations can make a big difference. Charity has nothing to do with the amount you give; rather, it is about the mindset for lending a helping hand. You can go one step ahead by spreading awareness about the cause and getting more people to contribute.
Besides donating money, volunteering for a cause is another good way to help if you cannot squeeze the extra dollars out from your monthly budget. Even little initiatives go a long way in making lives better! This is even more important these days with what we are all going through due to COVID-19. Let’s help each other as much as we can!
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