Donations come in all shapes and sizes, and are made for all different reasons. Whether you want to help people, animals, the planet, or something completely different, your donations matter. But, if donation size is causing you stress, it’s important to take a handful of factors into consideration. Keep these points in mind so that you can donate comfortably to the charity of your choice.
Don’t Overdo It
Whatever amount you donate, make sure that you aren’t putting a financial burden on yourself. Of course it’s important to support a cause and help others, but harming yourself and your financial prospects in the process means you’ll have a harder time supporting causes in the future. Before making a monetary donation, be sure that you have the resources to do so. Otherwise, it might behoove you to try volunteering or a non-monetary type of charity work. .
Look Over Your Budget
If you think you can afford to donate, incorporate that cost into your monthly budget. Make sure that you cover your necessities and save some money before writing that check. You don’t want to donate too much money, and you also don’t want to donate when you don’t have the wiggle room to do so.
Consider a Monthly Pledge
While some people donate when they feel like doing it—which might be once in a blue moon—you can always donate a monthly pledge to a charity. This allows you to show your support by automatically sending a set amount of money each month. If you find yourself tight on money, then you can always adjust it based on your financial situation. Still, a monthly pledge means that small donations of just a few dollars can add up to tremendous amounts for charities.
Pick a Cause You Care About
Make sure that you feel passionate about a charity before donating. That passion is the driving factor of your generosity and will encourage you to keep donating and volunteering. And, if you really care about a specific charity or social injustice, you’ll feel confident and comfortable with that philanthropic expenditure.
Conclusion
While it’s nice to donate to causes and to help charities, make sure that you donate an amount that works for you. You can feel good about it and potentially enjoy some tax deductions. As long as you keep these points in mind and remain smart with your money, you can help make the world a better place.