Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
I just received my FIRST social security check! Only $704 because I didn't pay enuff taxes over the 42 years of filing returns.
Anyway, I took the retirement early and this is what I receive each month. Wifey and I decided we'd rather receive it and give it away each month, rather than have the govt piddle it away.
I'm looking for suggestions . We want to give it out in small amounts so it is no big deal. PM me with someone that could use a small contribution and why. Please, not to yourself or relative, etc. You're on your honor here. It would be sent anonomously to address given.
I have a couple other organizations that I've asked for suggestions also.
Josh- I haven't forgotten BP. I tried to send donation, but it didn't accept either credit card I tried. It kept wanting me to use paypal. When wifey wakes up, we'll try that way.
I noticed there were a lot of you missing from the donor list on BP. How about pitching in. It is worth it you know. Rich
First - Thank you, Rich! That is an awesome way to give back to causes that truly need it.
2nd - if you really want to get the maximum benefit from your donation, I suggest that you limit the number of causes (fewer the better) that you donate to. Non profits actually spend a lot of money going after anyone that has donated in the past for repeat donations. For example, if you were to donate to 10 groups, they will all spend $$ trying to solicit you again next year.
Fortunately, i am blessed with two healthy children, but might I suggest your local children's hospital? There are a million needs to pick from (obviously) but this is where I donate.
Finally heard from Just Don! His request finishes aug. I'm looking forward to Sept check from the govt! Anyone else want to join in this? It's fun and rewarding, imo. Rich
With that amount you could get yourself 1 (or 2) SiteBuildIt (SBI) websites and set it up using your knowledge/experience...end up with a small home based (online) business that provides great content/info... that's just one idea of course...there's other ways to contribute too, like this for example: http://herorat.org - it looks strange but it's an amazing thing they're doing... Hope that helps... Martin :)
Rich,
I sponsor a child in Africa through PlanUSA. It's pretty good and is automatically deducted from my account each month. $25 a month per child which means you could cover 24 kids with that.
I don't give to national organizations either but I'm passionate about making quilts so I give them away to organizations like Warm the World in Canon City and they distribute them to teen pregnancy centers and to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Since you are giving away a gift, I'd suggest that it supports a cause that is near and dear to your heart. That makes it a double gift wrapped in love.
I receive PMs with questions as to who benefitted from my sept check. Glad to share. August disbursements were all to BP contacts
Sept- A local family in our church .
200 Bibles sent to a youth group in Brazil.
An "auction basket" given to an elementary school PTA to raise funds. This basket included vacation items and a one week use of a Cancun condo. This was a BP contact
I'm ready for some specific ideas for Oct check. PM me with your ideas. Rich
How about utilizing your skills/knowledge and investing the $704/month to develop into a decent sum in 5, 10, 15, X years?
In 5, 10, 15, X years when the cash has grown to a greater sum, you will see a much more significant impact. $704/month will do little for most who say they "need" it. Let it grow into $50k or $100k and then find a truly magnificent means of making it work. (donating to a private university, private hospital, etc.)
I used to make a habit of routinely searching Craigslist ads for people "desperately" in need of help (i.e., a small donation or loan). VERY, VERY rarely would someone ever repay me or call/email in a few months to say thank you again. My opinion: most people squander the money and end up in the same hole they were in before...
Tattoo it on your arm: "Give a man a fish, and he will eat today... Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime" I am not religious, but there is gold in these words. Save the $704/month, invest it.., then put it all to GOOD use at a university or some other worthwhile enterprise.