Try This I want to give back! How do I afford it?
Dec 8, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary shares her no-nonsense approach to charitable giving. She emphasizes the importance of budgeting for donations and offers practical advice on how to give back, whether through money or time. Michelle defines tithing and discusses balancing generosity with financial responsibilities. She also highlights ways to involve children in service, how to vet charities to avoid scams, and the benefits of creating a giving plan. Her insights will inspire you to think differently about giving!
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Make Giving Part Of Your Budget
- Michelle Singletary believes charitable giving should be part of everyone's budget after essentials are covered.
- She frames giving as an expression of gratitude tied to the help she received growing up.
Grandmother Sparked A Lifetime Of Giving
- Michelle credits her grandmother for rescuing her and her siblings from foster care and shaping her commitment to give.
- That personal history motivates her lifelong practice of giving money and time.
Use A Percentage To Force Discipline
- Do allocate a consistent share of income for giving, like tithing 10% if that fits your values.
- Use that commitment to impose discipline and force budgeting around the remaining funds.