Tag: charity

When my kids were younger, (ages 5 and 3) they asked me if we could host a lemonade stand in our neighborhood during their summer break. I thought it would be a great opportunity to teach them a lesson in basic economics. Testing a bit of supply and demand theory, we tried a few lemonade stands first, getting a feel for pricing and purchasing.  Our sale was a grand success and the kids brought in $33 in gross profit. Having determined in advance that we would give a portion of our profits to charity, I found that our little economic lesson also allowed me to teach my children the basics about philanthropy.

Do you think you have an impact on others?  The truth is we impact everyone around us every day—both positively and negatively.

We can make a huge difference if we become more intentional about having a positive impact on others. Those who go through their lives focused on themselves and their own needs never realize the immense power they have.

Even something as simple as opening a door for a stranger may put that person in a better mood and possibly change their interactions with others. Many people don’t see the full extent of the impact they make because one action can set off a chain reaction that reaches far beyond the starting point.

One of the universal truths is that, while money can help meet your needs and provide you with the basic necessities of life, it can’t make you happy.

However, it can be a powerful weapon of self-satisfaction when used the right way, such as through philanthropic endeavors.  And since April 15 is around the corner, it is a good time to contemplate how you can integrate charitable giving into your tax-planning strategies.