MOST OF US ARE FAMILIAR with earning, spending, saving and some form of investing money. Today, we add a very important step to that cycle – giving.
Having earned income, we can spend/save/invest it. Today we consider another very important option – giving money or money’s worth away.
Unfortunately, many of us begin to feel uneasy and threatened about giving away the “little” money we have. We never have enough; we are always in need. We believe that we will be more secure if we hold on to every cent that is not spent, saved or invested. We live in fear of contributing to our poverty by giving away money or money’s worth.
On the contrary, we need to let go of this fear for our own good. The word “give” has its root meaning in “to have” or “to cause to have”. This is reflected in a strong mystical belief that one must first give before one can have or receive. In other words, if we do not give, we will not receive.
When we give generously and voluntarily, we open ourselves to receive abundantly. No matter how “poor” we are, there is always something we can give. If not our funds, we can give our time, and talent.
Then, too, there is the profound act of forgiving debts owed. Most people find forgiving debts one of the hardest steps to take. True forgiveness of debt involves declaring unequivocally to the debtor that the debt is fully forgiven.
No future repayment would be accepted in part or in full. How many of us have done that? How many of us would do that?
The acts of giving and forgiving provide the gateway for gifts to flow back to us. By not giving, we hold that gateway closed.
This idea has a spiritual basis, and it should not be discarded likely. To face our fears, and move past those limiting thoughts to the sphere of giving, may be the greatest step we can currently take towards our own wealth.
Even further, action is required. We need to give. Some people describe it as creating the vacuum to receive some of the gifts we dream of. It is useful to give the things that you no longer use or need, yet it is even more important to give part of what you highly value and cherish.
Attitude and intent are paramount in giving. Really, the attitude of the giver is always more important than the gift. Charitable giving should have no strings attached, and no expectations of direct benefit in return. The motive should be truly charitable, and the act done anonymously and generously.
For example, if a poor man asks for 25 cents, what is the big difference between giving him 25 cents and giving him a dollar or more?
This man would be delighted by the generous amount. He would be happy at heart and see the world in a more positive light. That response from him should be the goal.
Of course, every giver should attempt to ensure that the giving is directed towards constructive ends, as best as the giver can discern.
We would not want to be feeding a drug, alcohol or other negative habit. Neither should these scourges be used as a cop-out to avoid giving at all. With care and discernment, there are still opportunities for generous giving, sometimes right on our own doorstep.
Action is required to find and consistently contribute to a worthy cause. Opportunities abound to contribute to a variety of charitable organisations. The choice is yours to choose the one(s) you care to support and the extent to which you wish to contribute.
In the sustaining theme for 2016 of spending wisely, it is important to maximise earnings while planning your spending, saving and investing. Today’s advice now includes the need to allocate funds in your budget for giving as a fundamental ritual of wealth.
Louise Fairsave is a personal financial management adviser, providing
practical advice on money and estate matters. Her advice is general
in nature; readers should seek advice about their specific circumstances.
Email LouiseFairsave@nationnews.com.
This column is sponsored by the Barbados Workers’ Union Co-op Credit Union Ltd.