Tithing and Charity vs financial goals

[AngelB]

July was my first month on Frugal Village and I had many goals set for my self and my family. Then my recently divorced best friend came to visit and I felt like we should use the money we saved to help her out. I knew it was the right thing to do, but was dissapointed that I didn't reach my goals of putting that money toward my husbands car (we want to pay it off by Dec 31). I know we will be blessed for it, but how do you guys keep your goals in perspective and not let them out-weigh your desires to help others. Do you have experiences you could share where you helped someone out and then were blessed to still reach your goals that week/month/year. Just trying to figure it all out and keep balanced.
Thanks,
Angel
Bombed all of July's goals
Augusts will be more realistic

[Libby]

Was there any other way of helping your friend other then giving / loaning money to her? I often try to find other ways of helping the 'cause' w/o throwing money at it - not saying that that is what you did at all. Im sure if I was in the same boat I may have done the same.

I usually try to find middle ground - something that wont deter me from saving or continuing to put away into my savings (aka towards goal) but still lets me help contribute. Even if its financial contribution, Id make a smaller one and still put money away. This way you're donating to both.

[Jaded]

Well, I don't tithe money, but I try to give 10% of my time and energy toward helping someone who needs it. If I gave away 10% of my money, I'll be eating Ramen Noodles! LOL

My friend used to babysit for free for single parents, and when she knew someone who needed money, she would give it directly to them. That was her tithe. I do the same, when I have money. I'd rather give it directly to someone in need.

Mostly, though, I will invite people I know who are having a hard time over to eat or something like that. I figure a couple of meals they don't have to pay for a week will help them.

[babymakes5]

I alloted charitable cause into my budget. It is an expected expense each month. This is includes church giving and any organizations. I also use this money to pay a boy down the street for odd jobs from time to time. His family really needs the money and he works to help them out.

[kittykatstrong]

Well, I don't tithe money, but I try to give 10% of my time and energy toward helping someone who needs it. If I gave away 10% of my money, I'll be eating Ramen Noodles! LOL

I agree, I shop for homebound people once a week. I think give what you can and for me I have more time then money, although not much more.

Katy

[Neeley]

1% of DH's annual salary is automatically deducted from his pay and given to the United Way. We also make monitary contributions to the Salvation Army and a couple of other charitable organizations. Plus we give money to the church when we attend.

However, we do not give or loan money to individuals.

[annymoll]

The hospital is big on United Way and we have income taken out for that. We also do Catholic Charities, based simply on my feelings for the priest in the area parish and what I feel he does for the community. We have a couple of 'assigned children" from third world countries. We also do not give or loan to individuals.We have no friends that ask.

[FrugalMomof3]

Right now we can't afford to tithe 10% of DH's pay but I do donate to the Salvation Army and donate to the Church when we attend.

[Telephus44]

We send 3% to DH's church on a monthly basis, and also give money to the local food bank whenever they ask. We also support other various local causes, but these are budgeted in.

If someone were to come to me and ask for help, I probably wouldn't give money, but like other posters would offer meals, basic needs, and my time. I find that sometimes my time is valued most.

[many houseapes]

Our family can't afford to tithe 10% either....but we do and we have not gone without - God always meets our needs-we can't seem to out-give Him.lol.

We also help others by giving on Freecycle,or I send crocheted blankets to my favorite charity a few times a year...or if someone that I know is having a rough time & I can't personally help them,I direct them to another friend that can.

There are so many ways that you can help others/share your time....sometimes you just don't realize how much you can give of yourself....even if it is in the smallest of ways.... God sees your heart

[changed4life]

We allow for tithing and giving in our budget. I don't give 10% to our church, but throughout the year as a total I do...to people I come across who need it, charitable organizations, etc.