Making Money Personal

While this time of year has us rushing around and planning for all the festivities and activities of the season, it’s also an important time to take a step back and recognize the fundamental purpose of the season in the first place – the practice of generosity.

Links:

• Learn more about the mission at givingtuesday.org


• Check out some tips and ideas on how to participate


• Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!


• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!


• Learn more about Triangle Credit Union

Transcript:

Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.

We’ve passed through the hectic Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping to come out on the other side to the official launch of the Christmas season.

With all the attention we give to finding deals, preparing parties, planning travel and signing Christmas cards, it’s helpful to remember that the heart of the season lies deeper than just the parties and the shopping- it's about giving.

For those who may be unaware, today is Giving Tuesday. Officially established back in 2012, it was intended to ignite a movement reminding all of us to take some time to serve others and our communities through volunteerism or financial means.

The website givingtuesday.org states boldly that the overall purpose of the movement is to “Unleash the power of radical generosity around the world.”

I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a movement I can get behind.

Since its creation, the movement has gained international traction. Every year, people and organizations unite across the globe from India, Africa, Europe, and more to recognize the importance of serving others through giving.

So the question some may have is, “what’s the best way to give?”

The good news is that there are no requirements. Participation counts in whatever way you choose to give back.

Try a random act of kindness like complimenting a stranger, carrying someone’s groceries, leaving positive notes for someone to find or pick up litter on a walk.

You can participate through financial generosity like paying for the next person in line, rounding up your purchase to donate to a charity, collecting goods for a soup kitchen or buying presents for children in need.

Volunteerism is another great way to participate like serving others at a shelter or soup kitchen, walking dogs at a shelter, or reading to kids at a local school or daycare.

If you’re interested in participating this year, check out givingtuesday.org for a list of ideas on how to join in the mission. The site also offers a variety of giving tools and other inspiring resources to ramp up the Giving Tuesday energy.

For many of us, the holidays are so busy, and rapidly speed by so when they’re finally over, we sadly realize we missed some beautiful opportunities to share in the glorious practice of generosity touching the many around us who could benefit most this season.

For those familiar with the famous Charles Dicken’s story, A Christmas Carol, here’s a relevant scene from the story about the importance of generosity.

Quick backstory: Scrooge, stunned by Jacob Marley’s ghost wrapped in chains, is baffled that a man so successful in life could be so burdened afterwards. The quote goes:

“But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,' faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself.

Business!' cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

When we reflect on the significance of this season and the true need of the many people around us, this day, Giving Tuesday, serves as reminder that our real business on earth is to give and share with those around us who are in need.

Participating in Giving Tuesday is a great way to practice generosity and share in the joy of helping others.

If there are any other tips or topics, you’d like us to cover, let us know at [email protected]. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.

Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.

Have a great day!