My 5% plan.

**Nishu** · 10-09-2011, 04:27 PM

Something has been bouncing around in my head for awhile, and I need to share it with you all. For one, because just like every financial decision I make, I need to run it by FV first. And for two, I'm hoping that sharing this simple idea will either encourage others to join me or at least give a few people warm fuzzies.

I have been conservative ever since I became aware enough to give myself a political label. Entitlement programs were something specifically that I did not feel were the government's responsibility. It's not that I think that we shouldn't help people- I hope you guys know me better than that- but because I always felt that leaving this job to the government left too much room for inefficiency, corruption and partisan tit for tat. Government social programs don't seem to do a lot to support a sense of community, and in fact if anything I think it does the opposite. They are missing the human element.

My husband and I have always tried to donate when we could. When disasters struck distant places, when friends needed help getting through the month, when neighborhood organizations had an urgent need, etc. A few months ago, I had been thinking on the subject of government versus private charity, and I was hit by a really uncomfortable truth. As much as I had preached the importance and the ability of private charities and willing donors to handle these needs, I had not put my money where my mouth was. I donated when the need was put in front of my face, but otherwise I had failed to support the organizations that I had (theoretically) given the responsibility of dealing with society's problems. This has been a thorn in my side since I realized what a big hypocrite I had been. It was worse than being a hypocrite. I had sat around waiting for something positive to happen as though it was someone else's responsibility.

The man and I have been talking about this for several months, and today after much discussion we finally arrived at a number. From this point on, our goal is to donate 5% of our take home pay to charity.

If anyone wants to join me, jump on in. Not everyone is going to be able to donate something, so I think that just about any generous, community-building activity or donation should count. Time spent babysitting for someone in a rough spout, money or food given to friends in need, mowing the lawn for someone physically unable to do so, clothes and toys going to the salvation army... Basically, anything above and beyond.

I think other people would like to commit or at least offer moral support, so I'm thinking of starting a facebook page dedicated to the idea. Everyone is so angry, everything is so negative and I think we could all use something positive and proactive.

So who's with me?! That's a lot of stuff to type out, guys. Don't leave me hangin'.

**Imarachne** · 10-09-2011, 04:32 PM

I think it sounds commendable and doable. Good luck !!

**Telephus44** · 10-09-2011, 04:50 PM

Nishu, I hear you. I feel the same way. I felt kind of embarrassed last year when we were doing our taxes, and I realized given how much money we had made, how little of it we had donated.

I'm not sure yet if I start with 5%, but I'll pledge for 3% of take home, starting next paycheck.

**FrabjousDay** · 10-09-2011, 06:59 PM

Good luck!

We've worked our charitable giving into our cash envelope system. Twice a month a set amount goes into the envelope slot. After a few months of accumulation, we put it towards helping a local family (typically families struggling with medical expenses) in need, or the local food bank. Also, a percentage of our paychecks goes towards an area non-profit with a mission we support.

**stinkbug** · 10-09-2011, 07:42 PM

We don't have a church family....we've been donating 10% (monthly) to our local rescue mission for years

**ravenmaniac** · 10-09-2011, 08:26 PM

I wish you the best with your efforts.

I believe charity starts at home. My daughter and 18 month old grandson are living with us. She works part time and goes to school full time. Next semester she will be finished her associates plus have extra credits. In the summer she will start her search for full time work.

I also work for the public school system. I cannot begin to add up all the pencils, paper, notebooks, binders, pens, etc. I have handed out to students who needed them. Not to mention lunch money or a snack or a drink.

My one sister is MR or mentally disabled. My family and I do a lot for her.

If you do not have money to donate, time can be just as appreciated.

**nodmicks** · 10-09-2011, 08:46 PM

Great idea! I may join you after i finish paying off the debt for me friend

**heartofmine** · 10-09-2011, 10:11 PM

Good idea. Our money goes to our church where it is used to help local people. We give to families in need...sickness, death in the family, widows needing a helping hand. I love this about my church. We don't have a lot of overhead so we are able to do it. I know there are people overseas that need help but we live in a poor area and there is a lot of need here as well.

**Nishu** · 10-09-2011, 10:35 PM

10% was actually my original goal, but when I mentioned it, my husband developed a twitch. I'm thinking that I'll decide on a reasonable grocery budget for the month and the donate the excess. Eventually we will get to 10%.

We just paid off the last of our car loans and our credit cards. All we have is one student loan and I'm hoping to have that gone by April. Hopefully we can boost it then. For now, the amount we have is an official, immutable part of our budget.

**Palooka** · 10-10-2011, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by Nishu

I have been conservative ever since I became aware enough to give myself a political label. Entitlement programs were something specifically that I did not feel were the government's responsibility. It's not that I think that we shouldn't help people- I hope you guys know me better than that- but because I always felt that leaving this job to the government left too much room for inefficiency, corruption and partisan tit for tat. Government social programs don't seem to do a lot to support a sense of community, and in fact if anything I think it does the opposite. They are missing the human element.

And you think churches do support a sense of community? The Salvation Army doesn't really like poor gays.. etc....and people give based on their 'convictions' so that does leave a big hole for discrimination..

You have 3 kids and your dh is in the Navy, if he left you, I would bet the gov't social programs like food stamps would be there if you needed them to feed your family in one hot second!!

**Nishu** · 10-10-2011, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Palooka

And you think churches do support a sense of community? The Salvation Army doesn't really like poor gays.. etc....and people give based on their 'convictions' so that does leave a big hole for discrimination..

You have 3 kids and your dh is in the Navy, if he left you, I would bet the gov't social programs like food stamps would be there if you needed them to feed your family in one hot second!!

Wow, really? I didn't think it was possible to find something in that post to pick at.

**annymoll** · 10-10-2011, 11:48 AM

I donate time to our church outreach program, I really love the clothes closet.There is also a food pantry, a soup kitchen(only on a weekly basis- hoping to expand) and a program for utility and housing.You can work on the church grounds for needed cash, or volunteer to pay for services. I enjoy working there because many of the programs help those who do not qualify for public assistance- the elderly and disabled will use them, even though they may refuse government welfare programs.They have so much pride and they view it as a handout.I have never known the church to discriminate on these programs, but then again, I have never had anyone pass thru who said' I am gay, and I am here for a coat".LOL I think it's a great idea Nishu .

**peanut** · 10-10-2011, 08:09 PM

Hmmm...I think it depends on the church. But I like this idea. I've been working up to 10% for awhile now. Right now we're pretty low...at 3% of take home. Not likely to change due to the family situation. Money will be going to the girls to help pay off student loans. DH is not a big fan of charity. He thinks they're all mismanaged and out to get his money. Geesh!

My response has been to volunteer a lot. Mostly through our church. Hence Crafting for Missions this year. Plus volunteer work for funeral receptions and various meetings. Also tutoring ESL students, and having them for free home stay/immersion experiences. Lots to volunteer doing in this world!

**forHISglory** · 10-10-2011, 09:02 PM

I commend this idea. It's simple, but it's doable. We have tithed and given beyond the tithe for many years. But before that, it scared me to commit giving that much money, and I didn't see how our family could do it. But hubby insisted that we try, and I was truly amazed at how our remaining money stretched and stretched and stretched. Soon it became exciting to give 10% and then give beyond that. Must admit that we never had TOO MUCH money, but we always had enough to meet our needs, even with the giving. So I know from personal experience that it can work!

Most of our giving is through our church, as we have many outreach missions right in our own community (poor, immigrants, pregnancy center, shelters for domestic violence, food pantries, closets, etc). We also support international missions, and groups such as Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, Salvation Army, and World Vision. When we give our tithe to the church, we are letting go of it, and allowing the church to make decisions on its use. But when we give above the tithe, we take responsibility for making our money go as far as possible.

Also think it is very important to give time, as well as resources. Local charitable agencies have a constant need for folks to help out, and your help saves the agency money. We have done cleaning and painting and carpenter work, as well as mentoring.

I mentioned that once we were in tithing and giving mode that we always had enough for ourselves. But that wasn't the only payback. We had a sense of value, that we were making a difference that would outlast us. Priceless!

Let us know if you set up a FB page for this. I think you are on to something important!!!