“How we take care of each other will be what we remember from the coronavirus pandemic.” Ai-jean Poo, Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance
What would it look like to live below our means so we can help others who no longer have an income? I asked the Faith and Money Board members to help me answer that question. Their summarized responses follow.
Review Your Budget to Find More to Give Away
- Take a look at how the virus has changed your spending habits and tally up the savings. Concerts, ballgames, and other forms of entertainment are cancelled until we can safely gather in large groups again. Now where else can you find unspent funds?
- For the next few months decrease savings for home projects and borrow, barter, or buy used before buying new.
- Reduce your food budget by buying fewer packaged foods, cutting down on meat and choosing less expensive cuts. At least once a week have a rice and beans meal or good old macaroni and cheese.
Revise Your Giving Calendar
- What organization can manage without your annual contribution this year? Most houses of worship and small ministries will probably need your donations and more just to keep their doors open.
- Early giving of annual donations can be a lifeline for the small non-profits that could go under without that type of help.
- Major universities as well as national and multi-national organizations with large endowments can manage without your donation this year. Give those funds to food banks and health organizations instead.
Recognize the Value of Non-deductible Donations
- Giving to individuals in need isn’t tax deductible but it can provide the joy of knowing you have helped an acquaintance or someone you have never met survive tough times.
- If there is someone you normally do business with who cannot cut your hair, clean your house, trim your hedges or provide child care because of virus restrictions, pay them anyway if you possibly can.
- Sharing as you are able with those in need of assistance will reduce your feelings of helplessness over the scope of this crisis.
Mark Ewert, one of our board members said, “Saving money to give more away does not mean suffering!”
What or whose attitudes about money have influenced your giving decisions? Our next Money, Faith and You, Online Study Group begins May 13th. Register here now for these enlightening zoom sessions that can bring more joy and understanding to your life than you can begin to imagine.
In the meantime, ask yourself, “What can I do now to relieve the financial burdens of others during this coronavirus crisis?”
Blessings on your efforts to share as you are able,
Judy Osgood |April 27, 2020