The US Thanksgiving is almost here, and the holidays will be celebrated worldwide just after, so what better time to talk money, gratitude, and giving?
As you know, the ultra wealthy tend to be very generous. There is even a 50% Club where some of the wealthiest people on the planet have vowed to give at least 50% of their net worth away before they die.
This is why “giving/tithing” is one of the five buckets it is recommended you transfer some (ideally 5-10%) of your after-tax income every time you receive money. It is a great way to show the Universe, God, or whatever higher power you believe in, that you are grateful for what you have received and you have enough to share with those less fortunate.
It is also a great way to circulate money, because currency loves to be in flow. Hold on to it and it becomes a stagnant swamp where things rot. Give it all away and you end up with a cash desert.
But, what can children do when they have no income? They still have plenty to be grateful for and they have talents they can share instead of cash or other things.
This story is about a giraffe who gives freely of his talents and finds he may have been too generous. Read it to or with your kids and then talk about how they can give, even if they have no money.
If they receive an allowance or earn money, talk about setting aside a small portion of it to give aways as they choose. Remember, it is never too early to start saving, investing, and giving. All three pay dividends!