Giving can be fun, enjoyable and not stressful!

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THOUGHT

Are you a giver? A generous giver? A joyful giver? Or do you hide when someone from a charity calls or knocks on your door. (Maybe you have given and given and you are tired. Donor burn out they call it.) Either way, let's hit the "pause" button and do a gut check.

Answer these questions AND BE HONEST

1. What is your yearly income?

2. What do you own? Your assets? This includes anything you could sell like your home, car, stock, etc. Include savings and pretty much everything you own.

5. Do you base your giving off of a %? Or just give when you feel you want to?

6. If you give off of a % rule (like 10%), multiply your yearly salary X _____%.

If you give off a "what ever and when ever" rule: how much do you give on average per year ? Per month? Be honest...

RESULTS: Are you surprised at your answer? Does it match up with your intentions? Are you surprised at how much you own?

Why do I ask these questions? Not to send anyone on a guilt trip or give themselves a pat on the back, but to match up reality with your personal expectations.

Some of you above give generously, know your assets and even create plans for your giving through out the year. Blessings to you! Keep up the good work!

For some of you, you are generous givers but did not realize that you have been giving at the same levels despite an increase in income. I go by the % rule. But I surprised myself 10 years ago when I did this exercise and realized my giving had not changed for 8 years despite my increase in income. I was shocked at the monthly difference and frankly the MISSED OPPORTUNITIES to bless others so easily.

HUGE wake up call there.

For most Americans, giving can be stressful. Even for wealthy people who feel hounded for donations this time of year.

But there is HOPE...keep reading.

You can not be a cheerful guilt free giver, if you feel your house is not in order.

You can honestly say YES, and you can honestly say NO and not feel guilty if you have a plan.

Many Americans feel "giving burn out" because they do not manage their finances as they are too busy. Then they feel guilty as year end approaches and they want a tax break, or maybe someone they appreciates encourages them to give generously to an organization or two. Then you add the Christmas presents for family on top of that and BAM! January comes. The hangover of uncontrolled spending and giving hits us. What the heck did we do?

STOP! It's Dec 3rd. There is still time to bless others, and encourage yourself through giving.

DATE IDEA:

Plan time to get away to a quiet place, if you are married with your spouse.

Make a list of DREAMS: who you want to give to and why.

Review who you already give to and why you like to give to them.

If you start with Giving first - it is done! Don't give the leftovers, give from the TOP of your paycheck. It will help.

If you feel you are needing a financial coach, agree to make an appointment together. DO NOT GET INTO DETAILS yet, until you have someone to help clear the path and help you discern.

Once you do, Take time to talk about your finances honestly. Where you are at, and what you want to achieve with your budget, (or to start one), your giving and even some dreams you have for next year.

If you already know and have discussed the above, why not make a "date" out of serving a local charity together. Call your favorite and ask if there are any volunteer opportunities this Holiday and Christmas season.

CHALLENGE

Call a financial advisor or even GREAT MARRIAGES to help arrange for a financial class you can take online. The new year is a wonderful time to review and get organized in this area.

Marriages in particular can experience stress over the Holiday season. Financial concerns can add fuel to the fire. Take the fear and anger out of financial stress and call us today so we can provide some options for you. Our office phone number is: 920.783.6142

GIVING CAN BE FUN AND MAKE A HUGE IMPACT ON THOSE WHO WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND THEM FOR THE BETTER.