Thanks & Giving
Posted by Gail | Filed under Good ideas, Money & Family
The smell of turkey wafting through the house, cranberry sauce bubbling on the stove, stuffing rich with apples and sage baking in the oven. Thanksgiving has always been about the harvest and saying thank-you for our bounty. It’s a celebration with family and friends. It’s a tradition.
But traditions are funny things; sometimes we carry on the tradition without really connecting with its origins. We know we should be grateful for all we have, so we truss up the turkey, chop onions and ready the table for a feast. And as we roll out of our seats hours later, stuffed to the gills and very sleepy, we are happy that we got to see family and friends. But how have we demonstrated our “thanks?”
Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition, one where we put a measure to our gratitude, one where we take the time to give back some of our bounty in real ways that help those who have not been as blessed as we have.
The idea of putting our money where our intentions are certainly isn’t a big leap for us. Canadians are a generous lot. It’s been estimated that 85% of Canadians aged 15 and over make a financial donation of some kind during the year.
Canadians on average give about $400 annually to their favorite causes. But splitting our limited dollars among several charities means small donations. And since the median contribution is considerably less – just $120 – it means that some people give a token amount, while others are really committed to giving. In fact, 25% of Canadians make 82% of all donations. Can you imagine what we could accomplish as a society if we could raise the median gift of $120 up to the average of $400. Wow!
According to the Canadian Red Cross, a $100 donation can pay for enough water purification kits to purify over 20,000 litres of water. Oxfam says that $60 is enough to buy one family food for a month. CARE Canada says $15 will buy five cans to carry and store purified water. And just 37 cents will provide purified water for a family of five for a week. And Canadian Feed the Children says that it takes just $17 a month to sponsor a child.
Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to start a giving circle: a group of friends or family members who work together to make their donor-dollars go further. Perhaps you’ll choose to talk, as you feast, about how you can help a cause your family is passionate about. Maybe you’ll make a family list of causes you want to support, and commit to the amounts you will each give. However you choose to establish your new Thanks and Giving tradition, you’ll be in good company.
———-
My Thanks List 2010
1. That my children are happy and healthy.
2. That I live in a beautiful place.
3. That I am free to speak, to worship as I wish, to love whom I want.
4. For my friends who know how to listen and aren’t afraid to speak.
5. That I made it through.
6. That I can do work I truly enjoy.
7. That I have hope and that my heart is full of joy.
I am also extremely grateful for the friends I have made here. You are lovely people, truly you are. And your kindness and acceptance is unparalleled. I wish you all a very happy thanksgiving.
Gobble-gobble, g
October 8, 2010 at 6:56 am
I chuckled to myself when I read the first paragraph of today’s blog…last year Gail confessed to us how she can’t abide the smell of roasting turkey wafting through the house, so I was picturing her gagging while trying to paint this pretty scene for us…LOL…
I am thankful for ALOT, and I express those thanks each and every day…although Thanksgiving is a good time to re-cap and make sure you are not forgetting anything or anyone…
I too, am generous with the charity dollars…I like them to stay local though…right here in the city I live in…our mental health services are extremely limited so we have a lot of folks on the street instead of receiving the care they need…my heart cracks when I hear about the suffering children of the world but it actually breaks when I see it right in my own city…and not just the children, but folks of all ages…I am thankful I have the means to contribute for these folks to have a better chance, a better day, a better life….
Happy Turkey day y’all!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 8, 2010 at 7:11 am
When cash is tight – I like giving in forms other than cash. For example – through service. Helping a shelter for battered women by giving things they need (e.g. bedsheets, clothes, toiletries,etc.); helping someone who puts out a request through our local on-line Freecycle; spending time with loved ones in need; and the list goes on…
October 8, 2010 at 7:46 am
Thanks for the reminder about charitable donations! I’ll play the 10 things I’m thankful for as well:
10. My two loveable fur kids
9. Wonderful neighbors
8. A job I enjoy and a great supervisor
7. A beautiful clean house with an affordable mortgage
6. Our sweet new nephew
5. Finding a great hairdresser (finally)
4. Next week’s vacation
3. My morning coffee (and evening glass of wine!)
2. My health
1. A wonderful husband
October 8, 2010 at 8:17 am
Hm. I’m a little skeptical of those numbers. I keep seeing reports about how much charities spend on fundraising and administrative costs. It pays to do some research before you give, and specify what you’d like your gift used for.
Because of the fundraising issue, I always turn down requests for help and instead give directly to the organization (I have a list, and a budget for it). That way, I know that more of my money is going to the charity rather than up to half of it going to professional fundraisers!
October 8, 2010 at 8:22 am
A topic that is near and dear to my heart. For a number of years, I did income tax preparation – approx 200 returns every year.
Consistently, I would see younger people (under 40) with a household income of +$100K giving absolutely nothing to charity, while I would see seniors (many on a fixed income) giving generously to many charities. I would always try to encourage anyone not giving to do so, if for no other reason than the savings on their income tax.
Our kids have taken turns canvassing for the Cancer Society each year in April. An eye opening experience to say the least. The lame reasons people come up with and the amount of rudeness they have been received with was stunning.
We give back financially and of our time as much as we are able. I am thankful for so many things – we (our family and us as Canadians) are so blessed. Thank you Gail for reminding me this morning
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
October 8, 2010 at 8:49 am
I’ve been a lurker on this forum for over a year now. I’ve made it my goal to read everyone of Gail’s articles and I’m about 70% done! I love the community here and the advice and support you give each other is amazing.
I don’t normally comment, but this topic hits really close to the heart for me. I am all about giving back to my community and for the last several years we’ve averaged $3000-$4000 a year in donations. I am so grateful for my health, family, friends, and so privileged to live in this beautiful country; it’s the least we can do.
This past year I’ve cranked it up another notch and started working for local Waterloo based charity (I’m in Cambridge). The charity is called STIMMA and they are led by Veneta Anand. She’s a pharmacist with a heart of pure gold.
I’m a web designer by trade, so I’ve given her charity free graphics and web design for life (or as long as I can keep up with her!). STIMMA puts 93% of their donations in the hands of the people they help. All staff volunteer, all pay their own costs, and only 7% of monies are used for administration. When she offered to pay me for the site design, I declined her offer without hesitation. I’m not going to take money away from the people she helps!!
I hope everyone out there makes an effort to start giving. It doesn’t always have to be financially either! You can visit the STIMMA website at http://www.stimma.org if you’d like to help!
Happy Thanksgiving. And MUCHO love to you and yours Gail! You’ve saved my familiy’s financial life!!
October 8, 2010 at 8:49 am
@Beth–I like what you said. If more of us were intentional about where our charitable giving goes, then more money would go towards helping a cause, and less money towards fundraising costs. My husband and I plan our giving, and while I sometimes feel bad for saying no to someone who calls me up asking for a donation, I know that the money I do give is being used well.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
October 8, 2010 at 9:05 am
And Thank You Gail, for posting this. I am always saddened by how little Canadians give to charity. I don’t know why, because everyone can find a cause they support whether cancer research, or environmental causes, education or social support. Despite our cries of poverty even earning minimum wage you have way, way more than most people on this planet. People need to spend less on themselves!
I’m thankful that I never worry about having enough food to eat. For a loving family who are all mostly healthy. For the chance to live where I do, where I can work at a job I love, and not have it all swept away by a tsunami, earthquake or flood.
October 8, 2010 at 9:22 am
There are so many charities asking for donations it’s hard to decide if it’s better to give large amounts to a few or smaller amounts to many. I picked several for larger donations and think that my smaller donations to others will join other smaller donations and help to get the work done.
I don’t think that charity tax deductions tell the whole picture. Sometimes you don’t get receipts. I spend several hundred each year on charity lotteries which I consider a donation as I don’t expect to win anything. When I put a ten or twenty into SA Christmas kettles everytime I see one at the mall there is no receipt. Nor is there for cases or cartons of food donated to the foodbank. Then there’s the items donated for auctions and raffles. I give to help out not to have a tax deduction. I’m thankful that I am able to give.
October 8, 2010 at 9:32 am
I am thankful for:
this wonderful country we live in.
my fantastic healthy children
my dog
my boyfriend
my great job
my affordable home
my health
I am also thankful that my family came to their senses and we now give to a charity instead of the adult gifts at Christmas. This has upped my charity funds considerably.
October 8, 2010 at 9:51 am
Well said Beth & Linda
I have relatives who were down sized and could not get other jobs so decided to returned to school – They are working hard but there is nothing extra and most times there is nothing much in the pantry. I buy a bit extra in my weekly groceries and help out as I can. Yes I know there is a food bank and have offered to drive them – they do not consider themselves “poor” and have declined my offer.
There is a lot of pressure to give to the big charities, but think how much help a gift basket of essential could help a neighbour who may not be in the best of circumstances, or the free babysitting for the single mom 2 houses down who has to work on weekends, or taking the dog for a walk for the senior couple who is having an off day. Charity begins close to home and I am tankful that I can help and grateful for the smiles and hugs I receive.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend
October 8, 2010 at 10:17 am
Thanks for reminding me I have to pass on Thanksgiving wishes to my Canadian friends this weekend! I also wish a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who puts in their two cents on this forum. I read it almost every day, and enjoy hearing from people who are rational and insightful. And Gail, a toast of the bubbly to you for cooking a turkey. I’m with you on turkey. We do chicken instead.
For the last year, the lion’s share of my charitable giving has been to a shoe-string budget non-profit organization, Safe Haven, who coordinates and provides monitoring and security for families involved in supervised visitation in the county in which I live. They can literally recount to me the destination of every penny I give. I also donate to the local regional foodbank. They help feed so many people in this area where poverty is increasing exponentially. They are also very good about recounting where their money goes. I avoid the really large organizations because so much of the money goes to administrative costs.
October 8, 2010 at 10:20 am
I completely agree with Dan and Linda. Alot of the money I spend on charity does not come with a tax reciept. We give away much of our children’s outgrown toys, clothing and unwanted gifts to the salvation army and value village. We shop there to support these oganizations too. We give monthly to world vison, hold a yearly food drive with the girl guides to support the local food bank, collect money for the world friendship fund to be sent to the top five needy guiding countries, and fundraise for our local children’s centre by taking time to canvass businesses.
I like hearing what everyone does to give me more idea’s on how our family can help out.
This might sound out of place, but alot of countries rely on tourism as well for their economy…would travelling to that country and spending your money rather than a hand out be considered a charitable action too? Maybe if we changed our destinations indirectly we could collectively help an economy?
October 8, 2010 at 10:56 am
During this wonderful and humbilizing holiday, we must also not forget to be thankful for the physical & mental blessings many of us share that some of the less fortunate amongst us do not. I work at a local community centre for seniors with physical & mental disabilities and every day after work (and every morning I awake) I am pleased to remind myself that I possess such simple things such as:
- The ability to see various beautiful sights.
- The ability to hear wonderous things such as music.
- The ability to touch those I care for. (Both the human and the furry kind!)
- The ability to smell those beautiful spring flowers and mouth-watering dishes.
- The ability to think and contemplate life & all of its great aspects.
It’s these simple things — although highly taken for granted and over-looked by most — that make me a VERY lucky human being.
Have A Pleasant Thanksgiving, Everyone!
October 8, 2010 at 11:08 am
Appreciating what I have and providing hope for others is so important – these days and always. Unfortunately, I am one of those struggling to climb out of the debt hole I’ve dug for myself and I do not have a lot of spare cash. There is light at the end of my debt tunnel though, thanks entirely to Gail, and I’ve started some decent savings in both an RRSP and a TFSA. If all goes as planned, my debt will be gone by the end of the year!
I believe that giving back is one of the most important things an individual can do. Because I don’t have a great deal of spare cash at the moment, I can only donate a minimal amount to charity. (My workplace has an automatic paycheque deduction for charity that I have signed up for.) What I am able to donate is time. I volunteer at least once a month at one particular non-profit, and help out at various other charities – generally homeless shelters – for a day a few times a year. I also try to do other things to help out.
For example, I’ve recently signed up for the bone marrow program run by Canadian Blood Services (www.onematch.ca). It is so simple – all you have to do is provide a cheek swab! It’s even easier than donating blood, which I also do from time to time. I urge all of you to look into other ways to give back to your community that don’t involve money.
I know there is more that I can do, but at least it’s a start.
October 8, 2010 at 11:18 am
@Sparky HAHA I totally remember Gails grudgebird post last year too
I’m a new Mom to a great little lassy, and I’m just thankful our basset hound loves her as much as I do
October 8, 2010 at 11:19 am
I’m glad that people are pointing out all the ways we give to charities without it showing up on our income tax returns. I think Canadians are generous with their time to a much greater degree than people realize.
When you think of all the volunteer organizations, amateur sports associations, etc. that are staffed and run completely on a volunteer basis, you begin to realize that it’s not only money that keeps charities in business. I am staggered by the number of hours many of my circle of friends devote to keeping their communities alive and thriving in ways that don’t get counted by the government. It’s a bit like housework- invaluable, but no “value”.
And thanks for the reminder to be thankful. What a gorgeous day for it too!
October 8, 2010 at 11:28 am
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
My health and the health of everyone mentioned above
Things I am thankful for:
1) My parents are coming for the weekend and will share Thanksgiving dinner with us.
2) My 92 year old grandmother is still with us and healthy enough to live in her own home.
3) That my daughter, who just moved to a new city to attend university, has friends that she can spend Thanksgiving with because it is too far to come home.
4) Good friends who make me laugh every week when we get together.
5) Wonderful pets…two cats and a dog.
6) An amazing son who keeps me on my toes.
7) A loving husband who has the best sense of humor and still makes me laugh after 31 years together.
Charitable giving has been a work in progress for our family. Hubby grew up in a family that struggled financially so wasn’t used to giving to charity. Although a generous and warm hearted man who gives hours of his time to charity events, helping neighbours and children’s teams or groups, he has been reluctant to give financially to charities. As we have become more financially secure, he has become willing to give and we now have a budgeted monthly amount for charity.
In addition to a budgeted monthly amount for charity, we wanted to do more and were able to increase our donations using these simple methods. We established a jar for “found” money and used it to make a donation to another charity. The “found” money came from the following areas:
1) bottle returns – don’t put it into your wallet…it will disappear!
2) the interest from our High Interest Internet Savings Account
3) selling used books to our local used bookstore after everyone has read them
4) yearly garage sale
Does anyone have other suggestions for areas to “find” money. I would love to hear them.
Thank you Gail for all the information and support you give to your fans on this website and through your shows!
October 8, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@Erin: I’m a Guider too! I really like your idea about collecting for the CWFF for the top 5 needy Guiding countries. Is there a list of those countries somewhere?
Thanks!
October 8, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I’m a big believer in informed charitable contribution – I think it’s important to learn as much as you can about the places you contribute your time and money too – not only does it help you to give your support to places that align with your values, but it also (IMO) encourages you to learn more about important issues AND encourages you to stay involved with a given group.
I’ve gone through phases where I have money to give, and phases where I have only been able to give my time, and phases where I’ve been fortunate enough to do both. I think getting ‘into’ charity is a lot like getting ‘into’ being DFF – you have to make it automatic; an integral part of how you live. Among my list of things to be thankful for, I thank my parents for making volunteerism a part of our lives since we could walk and talk at the same time! I think that’s one of their great gifts to all of us, and I aspire to live the kind of outward-focused lives that they lead.
I’m also thankful for my health; the opportunities to travel, learn, work, and explore that have enriched my life; and my wonderful family, friends, and almost 7-year partner who have made sure that I have had someone to tell me they love me almost every day of my 26 years. So few people have that in their lives, and for that I am the most grateful.
For those none meat-eaters out there, Happy Tofurkey Day! (if you like that stuff- I think tofurkey is kinda weird, personally. I’d rather just eat more mashed potatoes!)
October 8, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I love this blog day – we really are incredibly lucky when you think about it!
I know that there will be a few more grateful turkeys out there for the vegans and vegetarians, so we’ll all be enjoying the stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the incredible harvest bounty we have in Canada at this time of year. Lots of local deliciousness to devour, and I can’t wait for the weekend!!!
I’m very grateful for Gail especially – my emergency fund is nearing the goal mark, and I owe her and many of you a special nod of gratitude for the secure feeling it is providing…
Karen
October 8, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I am grateful for so much I should spell it greatful because I have a great deal to smile about.
1. I haven’t been in too much pain this year and I can walk.
2. I have someone eho gave up his ideal family for me. He wanted children which I can’t have and he loved me anyhow….. and my zoo of pets.
3. I am grateful for the love of my sister who lives close and spends holidays with me. And for the rest of the famil for always having faith in me.
4. I am thankful for feeling positive even in dark times.
5. I am thankful for the wisdom of others who have shown me a better path than the one I was originally on.
6. I am happy I have clean drinking water, a home and food and clothing……
7. I am thankful for my pets who shower me with unconditional love and my dog who shares my passion for walks in nature and appreciates it as much as I do.
8. I am thankful for those who come and break bread at my strays feast every year. (Those of us who don’t have parents or family in our group near by)
9. I am thankful for bright smiles and warm hugs
10. I am thankful for the generosity of others.
Happy Thanksgiving
October 8, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Please excuse my typos I am on my cell……
October 8, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
I am pleased to see so many posts about giving and the various ways to be able to give. In the last 2 years I have not been able to give a lot to charity in a monitary way, but I have donated many many hours to fundraising and helping various charities. I’m sure I’ve baked 100 dozen cookies and I can’t tell you how many pounds of fudge etc. Throught donating my time and talents, I have been able to help in much greater ways that I would have been able to budget for financially. last year, myself and 4 co-workers raised $12500 for The Arthritis Society mostly by having bake sales – lots and lots of bake sales!
I also try to help in my community. I love the ideas that Dan expressed and I’d love to see more ideas posted of ways to not just be charitable but kind to each other.
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for:
-A wonderful supportive husband & family
-being blessed with many life long friends
-being hired for a new position in my company which means I’ll be relocating to a more rural area of my province.
-For good health
-a warm roof and food in my cupboards and clothes in my closet
-two additions to our family – a niece and a nephew!
-being blessed with 3 grandparents to enjoy at 35 years of age.
- quiet evenings with a blanket and a cup of tea
-my 2 fur-babies who drive me crazy following me from room to room constantly
-the internet which allows us all to communicate, learn from and enjoy each other.
October 8, 2010 at 1:14 pm
I give to an organization called Women for Women International. I give a small monthly amount to sponsor a woman in a war-torn country to help her learn to read and write (if she can’t) and to teach her about her rights and teach her skills to run a small business, either on her own or in a co-operative with other women. The pride these women say they feel when they become fully contributing members of their families and communities is great to see. Because rape is often a part of life in war-torn countries, WfWI also provides counselling for women who are victims of this violent crime.
I also have supported Animal Acres, a farmed animal sanctuary in Los Angeles (nothing comparable in Canada exists or I’d keep my money here). It is a wonderful organization that does incredible work in educating people about the horrors of the life of factory-farmed animals. And they promote veganism!
I have also supported the National Anti-Vivisection Society (also American, because nothing comparable in Canada exists). This organization seeks to educate people about the suffering of animals used in science and to show them that there are animal-free alternatives that make for much better science!
I do not support medical research organizations, as they more often than not perform laboratory research on animals. This is unethical and should be stopped. Until such time as it is, my dollars will go elsewhere.
I also volunteer for a local animal rescue organization. All the animals who live with me are “rescues.”
I am thankful that organizations like these exist to give a voice to the voiceless.
I am thankful to have the means to support these organizations.
I am thankful to have the love of the most wonderful man I’ve ever known.
I am thankful to be free to do the things I want to do.
I am thankful for my family, my friends, and the animals I share my home with.
I am thankful to have a home that is affordable, and one that I love.
I am thankful to have clean water to drink and (relatively) clean air to breathe.
I am thankful that my parents instilled in me a love of learning.
I am thankful to not be alone or lonely.
I am thankful that health care is affordable in this great country of ours.
And of course I am thankful for Gail and her wisdom!!
October 8, 2010 at 1:41 pm
great post Gail, as always. i love your list of what you are Thankful for, what i like about this blog is your personal approach, honesty and i feel like i ‘know’ you when i read your blog. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I am thankful for: My husband and beautiful, healthy children
my extended family, they may drive me crazy sometimes, but they love and support me, and i them
my friends, i have wonderful girlfriends
wonderful neighbours who have made us feel like we are a part of a community
my health
my home
my indulgences-chocolate, icecream, tea, beer. makes life more fun!
i wish everyone here a great long weekend!
October 8, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I personally give to three different charities but one thing I cannot stand is “charity bullies”. Whether they’re on the phone, in the street, or in the office, there are far too many organizations phoning and nagging people for money. I am *not* thankful for them at all!
If somebody says they don’t want to give or can’t afford it, that should be the absolute end of the discussion. If and who you give to is a very personal choice in my mind. You wouldn’t ask who I voted for, would you? People who call others “cheap” or give them the evil eye for not contributing really have to mind their own business. This is an issue that’s *near* to my heart. Some people see their charities as a part of their identity and take it on as personal crusade. “Oh, you’re already giving? But it’s not to *my* charity and that’s the important one.” I give far more annually than my coworkers but our organization has chosen the United Way as their own and there’s no end to the pressure to give. The people who don’t give are treated with a level of disdain. This has no business being in the workplace. …And it doesn’t matter somebody’s age or income level. Charities are great, but the nonstop pressure is not.
October 8, 2010 at 3:11 pm
The organization I work for had a ‘conference’ today, with all of its 4000+ staff. Last year, the amount of money fundraised and given to charity originating from our organization was over 2 million dollars. Wow. Pretty amazing.
One of the speakers today, who has a native American background, talked about a tradition that they have of a day of giving, where you will give pretty much everything away that you have… he also spoke of how if someone admires something you have, no matter what the value it is to you, that it is custom to give it to the admirer. My own mother has often done the same.
A part of me believes that people should give until it hurts… but I don’t want to hurt my family…
When someone around me is hurting, I always give… A coworker couldn’t attend our Christmas party one year, despite the venue being a place that her and her husband always wanted to go. I found out that they simply couldn’t manage it financially that year; I went to my boss and paid for their tickets (anonymously, but she found out). A friend of my daughter’s was really upset at a fair because she lost the money her dad had given her. I took out the amount and pretended to find it on the ground. Those are the instances that I try really hard to role-model to my kids… where you can make a big difference sometimes with just a small amount, and you can feel great about it without anyone having to know.
I just read a book “A year of living generously” by Lawrence Scanlon, a Canadian from Kingston area. He donated his time to a different organization each month for a year. It’s a good read, and brings the recognition to the time vs. money aspect to charity giving.
My top things I’m thankful for for today…
1. my daughters, first and foremost… their health, their sense of humour, their tolerance, their everything… my daughters are turning into people who I believe will be great role models.
2. My husband — he works very hard to keep all of us happy, without a lot of thanks back at him
3. The material stuff around me… my car, my house, the food in the house… all of those things that provide us with the ability to survive.
4. My job — I LOVE my job, even on those terrible days where my coworkers are driving me nuts or a student is having a hard day and taking it out on those around him… I truly love the challenge, and how I grow as a person as a result.
5. My own health — my physical and mental and spiritual health… I think I’m doing pretty good.
October 8, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Lots of different ideas for giving in many ways, and I know there are many more.
I was always taught, and have come to believe, that real giving is when it is done quietly and anonymously, if possible. No one needs to know how much you gave, how much time you spent, or how much money you raised. The small acts of charity and kindness are just as important as the big fund raiser that ends up in the newspaper or on noticeboards.
October 8, 2010 at 5:06 pm
I love Adrian’s list! The gift of the senses… how poignant! These are things we take for granted, but they add so very much richness to our lives. Adrian, thank you for the reminder. I too, am grateful for all of my senses and what they enable me to do, see, taste, feel, and hear.
Just a reminder to Erin and others who give to Value Village – this store is a corporation, not a non-profit, and the proceeds do not go to support community organizations; rather they purchase their goods from charities, and apparently do not offer a very generous return on the charities’ investments. So while shopping at Value Village is still an eco-friendly and affordable way to shop, your money spent goes back to a corporation. Nothing wrong with shopping there, but you might wish to make your donations of clothes to Goodwill, Salvation Army, Breast Cancer Research, or other nonprofits who collect clothes.
Thanks for a great post, Gail!
October 8, 2010 at 5:14 pm
What I’m Thankful for:
I could make a huge list but I’ll just keep it short and sweet.
Thankful for my great relationship with hubby for over 30 years.
Thankful for our health and being able to work ,both at good paying, full time jobs.
Thankful for family and friends.
Thankful for being able to have volunteer 10 years at a food bank, and seen first hand who we have helped.
Thankful for finding you” GAIL “you have helped us set the road to retirement in more ways possible.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I hope you are all able to have a great Turkey dinner with lots of Pumpkin Pie.
October 8, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Hi Everyone – I need some advise and was hoping someone here would share their opinion on this:
My parents have recently come into some money and are sending us a one time gift of $5000. Yes I am very THANKFUL! The question is where to put it. My husband thinks it should go all into our emergency fund, which is in dire need of funds. I mostly agree, except for the fact that we have a debt coming due in November for $1616.57. It was one of those 12 months with no interest, but if we don’t pay in full we will owe an additional $400 in interest. So, should we pay this off and put the remaining amount into the emergency fund or all into the emergency fund. PS. to be fair and provide my husband’s side – his income goes down in the winter by about 40%. Thank you!! Dawn
October 8, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Each month I donate $100 in addition to what I donate at work. I look at what is going on in the world and direct my $ to where I think it will do the most good: Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, Pakistan flooding etc. I love donating to the World Food Program because they are always on the front line when disaster strikes getting food/water to the people who need it most. Every Christmas I encourage my siblings to give to a charity rather than buy me a gift – there is nothing I need when I compare myself to those in much less fortunate circumstances.
It’s a no-brainer.
October 8, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Dawn – pay off the bill, put the rest in your emergency fund, and then save your pennies just as you would have had to do to pay the upcoming bill. Put all your saved pennies towards your emergency fund. You won’t find a rate of return anywhere that will beat the saving you get from not having to pay $400.00 interest in after-tax dollars.
October 9, 2010 at 12:55 am
It’s definitely that time of year to start reflecting on what you should be thankful for, this is definitely a sign of gratitude and those that are thankful for what they already have are usually much happier as well.
October 9, 2010 at 7:04 am
Dawn – PAY THAT BILL!!!!!…then put the difference into the EF…..
October 9, 2010 at 7:43 am
Edward,
I completely understand your point of view.
As someone who fundraised a lot in the last 3 years, I tried really hard to fundraise without having to ask for personal donations. I am fortunate to have worked in an office above a mall. We were able to book a table in the mall on occassion for bake sales, and other ways we came up with like selling Valentine treat boxes etc. The public were more than generous in supporting us and this way co-workers could buy if they wanted/could, or they could donate some baked goods to help out. We tried really hard to not be pushy or make people feel obligated to help.
I know I don’t like being asked to buy tickets etc, but I don’t mind giving my time, baking something or donating items I no longer need etc. Bottle drives are a great way to fundraise, used book sales and garage sales.
October 9, 2010 at 7:44 am
Dawn, how nice that your parents are gifting you with 5 grand!!!
Pay that bill! It only makes sense…
October 9, 2010 at 11:02 am
Happy Thanksgiving!
We don’t do turkey now or at Christmas – not many like it.
So we’re having B-B-Q’d steaks Sunday. It’s so beautiful out. Baking two pie pumpkins this afternoon for pie making tomorrow.
We have slow cooked sweet ribs at Christmas – just in case you wondered.
I’m thankful for so many things. Alas, no time to spell it out. We have our 17 mo. old grandson here for 5 days (his Mommy & Daddy flew to New York) and Bompa will be back with him in moments – he took him for a wagon ride along the river.
@Dawn – pay the bill. Put the rest in your EF. Also put into you EF the money you would have been putting aside to pay the bill in the first place. It will help you when hubby’s income goes down this winter. Just my two cents. Gotta run!
Oh….p.s. Dawn – aren’t parents great?
October 9, 2010 at 11:31 am
JULIE SPARKY MELANIESD
THANK YOU! I thought we should pay the bill. Just feeling a bit down that we need to put the money in the bank because of the mess we have made of our finances. If we hadn’t we could go on a trip or something and really enjoy this generous gift! Feel like we are letting my parents down by not enjoying the money. But it has to be done, time to “pay the piper” and be thankful that the money is coming our way.
On the subject of giving, my 10 year old is doing a walk for Breast Cancer with her girl scout troop on Oct 17 and has already received donations of $235, so proud of her.
October 10, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I am thankful that I have a lucky life. I have parents that love me, I have a good job that I enjoy, I live in a beautiful part of the world, I have enough to eat and the opportunity for a good education.
I sponsor a girl through World Vision in Uganda and she is now 15 and doing well at school.
Last year my friend and I went to Everest and raised almost $1000- before we went for the National Breast Cancer Foundation!
That has been my proudest moment so far.
S
October 11, 2010 at 12:26 am
I thank you Gail for all your wisdom, I watch all your shows and have learned so much. For the last 5 years before we all meet for Thanksgiving I have organized all my grandkids (4 plus a few friends) and adults to deliver and serve hot meals to those who have less. Last year the kids were big enough to help pack boxes and load trucks, we then spend the normal Thanksgiving day and feel so much better about it. I can’t send too much cash but everyone can spare a few hours.
Happy Thanksgiving to all…we are so blesses.
October 12, 2010 at 10:44 am
I agree with Edward–I also work for an organization that has been monopolized by the United Way, and there is tremendous pressure to give. I looked into it once, and while United Way does “forward” your donation on to the charity of your choice, they take some for themselves as an “administration” fee! So why wouldn’t I just donate directly to the charity of my choice and actually give them the full amount?? Dumb. I really don’t like United Way, and we raise tens of thousands of dollars for them every year–and with events like silent auctions, they don’t even have to give out tax receipts! Grr.
October 12, 2010 at 11:01 am
I really like the principle of tithing (giving 10% of your gross income). In the case of those who come from a Christian background, this would typically be to your local church. HOWEVER, for those from other faiths or who are agnostic or who don’t actively participate in their faith, you can still use the principle just to give.
I know this isn’t something that has been talked about on Til Debt do us Part or Princess, BUT I do think giving is a really important part of life. My parents taught me to give at least 10% of my income from the time I had my first part-time job at 14, and I can tell you I have always had enough to pay the bills (even now as a single mom with 2 children) and have always been way over on the amount I am allowed to claim on taxes every year (even with all the places I give that don’t give me tax receipts).
Also, for the above comment about the ages of people who give I am in my late twenties not my sixties
Just think about it – designate a set percentage or amount of your income to giving. You wont regret it!
October 12, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I give to the United Way and local foodbank (at the grocery store) – officially, that is. I wonder if the average donation that Gail is quoting is based on tax deductible donations? I know that there are lots of unofficial fundraisers that kids do like bottle drives, car washes, and so one that people generously give to… I wonder if the average isn’t higher than we think.
Also, we give as much as we can but I’ve often wondered if it is right to give to charity when I have credit card debt. Truly, aren’t I just giving away money that I don’t even have? I don’t like to be a downer, just wondering.
October 12, 2010 at 2:53 pm
I am grateful for living in a beautiful city, having friends, health, a paid-off place — and a hearty appetite! Once I paid off my mortgage I made a promise to make a donation to charity once a month, including a bigger cheque once a year to the United Way, and giving charity Christmas presents (e.g. supply a schoolhouse). I too don’t like charity bullies, if they’re the ones lurking on street corners — the UK term is something like “charity muggers”. It must be hard for a lot of charities these days, though, as it sounds like corporate giving is down. Maybe people who have no money can donate some time, or household items they already have?
May 5, 2012 at 11:11 pm
get to a much bigger audience then…
what you have now. each guest post generates traffic, links, and sales.2. social networking or social bookmarking sites – this could mean that stumble upon might pick up your site or your twitter followers might make your post go viral. this…