“It is more blessed to give than to receive!” We’re sure you’ve heard that old saying, too. It comes out a lot this time of year, so we thought we’d take a look at just how true it is.
Here are Five Fast Facts on holiday giving:
- 🎄 Year End - There’s definitely something about this time of year that prompts people to give more - over 25% of annual charitable giving occurs in the month of December!
- ✨ Biochemistry - It’s the science: giving is good for us! When we donate or give a gift to someone, our brains produce a chemical called oxytocin which triggers feelings of happiness, kindness, compassion, and gratitude. It’s the best kind of buzz!
- 🗺️ A Bit Of Planning - If you are looking to give big bucks or non-cash donations like property or stock, engage the services of a financial planner to ensure you make the most of the donation while abiding by tax laws and avoid scams. Nothing kills a happy buzz like finding out you just funded a scammer’s vacation to Aruba, right?
- 💸 Free Giving - There are ways to give that don’t cost you a cent. Consider volunteering to serve at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, declutter your house and donate what you no longer need, donate blood, or go spend time with people at nursing homes or senior living homes. Your time and genuineness may actually be more valuable than your dollars to the people you connect with!
- 🔍 Check It Out - Make sure you give to charities that are legit, responsible, and share your values. Monitors like Charity Watch or Charity Navigator will tell you a lot about the organization, including things like how much of your donation will go to the cause itself rather than simply the administration of the charity. Use these tools to give with confidence!
🔥Bottom line: It’s been a tough year. Actually, it’s been a tough couple of years! But that’s all the more reason that we should give generously to help those around us. Start local - those are often the charities that most need the help, and that have the most impact to wherever you are. Not only will you be helping them, but you get a gift back at the same time.
What’s your best holiday giving tradition?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
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