How Much Is Healthy Giving, And When Should I Say ‘No’?

Q: I often get asked to give to different fund-raisers and charity. I give a lot away to charity and church, but I still feel guilty when I have to say no. How much is healthy giving, and when should I say no?

Rachel: I suggest picking out a couple of places or people you are giving to and stick to it. Giving a dollar here and a dollar there doesn’t always make a huge impact, versus laying out a plan and focusing your time and attention to specific charities.

Look for issues you’re passionate about. So if you want to help the homeless in your community, give to a rescue mission or homeless shelter. If you’re passionate about the military, find places that are serving them well and help. If you want to help people with cancer, there are dozens of quality organizations that will help you do that.

You have plenty of options. So my best advice is to simply pick a few charities, plus your church, and donate to them instead of spreading yourself thin. You’ll make a greater impact that way.

Rachel Cruze Growing up as Dave Ramsey's kid, Rachel Cruze learned the basic principles of money at an early age. She travels across the country teaching those same principles, in a personal and passionate message of money and hope, to teens and young adults. To find out more about Rachel, visit www.daveramsey.com/speakers or follow her on Twitter at @RachelCruze.