It's a season of buying, but there are lots of chances to give back. Giving Tuesday is a day organized for us to support charities doing good.
With high inflation, has that changed how people plan to give? Sixty-eight percent of adults told investment firm Edward Jones they plan to donate the same amount as last year, 17% say they plan to increase their donations and 10% say they will decrease them.
So how can you make sure your good intentions end up in the right hands?
- Avoid high-pressure tactics: If an ad or person is rushing you to donate immediately, just take your time. They might be hoping you ignore any red flags.
- Research the charity: Go to websites like CharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org to see how the organization spends the money it is given.
- Give directly to the charity: Some people may claim to represent the organization either in-person or online, but there's no guarantee they are. Donating directly to the group can reduce your risk.
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But what if you're trying to give more than money? Many organizations are also looking for in-kind donations.
- Food banks are often looking for canned and non-perishable food items to help those in need.
- There are also organizations that hand out clothes or sell them cheaply to families who are struggling.
- You can also donate your time. Many groups need volunteers year-round, so try to look for ways you can give back to your community.
