28 Comments

  1. Giving absolutely feels good, and I like to give via volunteering more than anything else. I give money to some causes that I like; however, I never feel quite as connected as I do when I am in the presence of the person I am helping. For me lately, I have been volunteering by giving financial planning advice to people who can’t afford me and I love that I have a skill that can help them and that I am in the position to give back. There is nothing better to me than to get people on the right path with their money.

    • Giving financial planning advice is definitely a great thing to do because it helps people with their money. And maybe, just maybe, they can use that knowledge to help others.

  2. I couldn’t agree with you more that making a difference in people’s lives is great for the soul. I plan to do a lot more volunteering when I retire some day; in particular by helping people to manage their finances.

    • I was just reading another personal finance blog where the author is planning on joining the Peace Corps when he retires. That’s a pretty good idea.

  3. Yes yes yes! I completely agree. Some of my most rewarding experiences have been in a volunteer role. People may not be prepared for how much giving back can affect their whole mood and outlook on life. If there is something you are particularly passionate about, there is likely an opportunity to volunteer for that cause. It may take some searching online, but they’re there!

  4. Like you said, giving to the community has several benifits. Maybe it is a little selfish yet as everyone walks away a winner I do not care so much, so I try to get down to the homeless shelter and serve up meals there. it seems a little selfish because I use the experience to help remind myself how good off I actually have it.
    I wonder how you feel about this Aldo?

    • I don’t think it is that selfish. Yes, we do it to get something out of it as well – be it to feel good or to gain experience – but we are still helping people. It is not just doing something for myself without helping anybody else.

  5. I really enjoy volunteering and it’s something I really need to do more. I’ve actually been looking for a good opportunity that I can commit a few hours a month to. Will you go back and volunteer again at the school? Sounds like a fun program!

    • Yes, I will definitely sign up to do it again. It was a lot of fun. It was a little terrifying the first day because I had to stand in front of a big group of kids, but it was fine after that initial shock.

  6. I like to share my knowledge when I can. When I’m judging (gymnastics) I always make it a point to talk to each coach after, ask them if they have any questions, and give them tips. It’s not really volunteering though. I’d like to do more of that with my kids in the future!

    • You’re getting paid to be a judge, but you are volunteering your time to talk to the coaches after and try to help however you can. I don’t think it necessarily has to be labeled “volunteering” as long as you just provide your time to help somebody.

  7. Giving is a great feeling. It feels great to be able to help other. It’s also important to be a good receiver too when you’re on the receiving side. It’s a two way street.

  8. I often give money to causes that I support, but haven’t volunteered all that often in my past. Currently, being self-employed, my time is my most valuable asset, so its hard to give it up. But, I guess this is the point. If you can give up the most important thing for you, then that is when charities truly benefit!

    • That’s true. Just help however you can. Money is probably the most efficient way because they can use it for whatever they can, but if you can’t donate money then time is also needed.

  9. I’d love to be a regular volunteer somewhere. Mr. FW and I both did quite a bit of volunteer work in the past, but we haven’t been as involved recently. It’s actually something that’s on my bucket list right now. Thank you for the motivation!

  10. Giving does feel good! I used to volunteer more regularly than I do now but it’s a great way to spend your time. Right now I just sporadically volunteer when opportunities pop up, but I want to get involved again with an organization for a longer term commitment next year.

    • This is the first time I’ve been involved with this group, but it is a lot better than just showing up somewhere. Well, that’s good too, but with the organizations everything runs a lot more smoothly because they have worked out the kinks already.

  11. I volunteer regularly at my son’s school. I spend probably about two hours a week there. At one point I was volunteering so much at school and church that I worked a 40 hour week volunteering. It was great fun but I had to slow my role;0)There are so many volunteer opportunities where you can truly make a difference through schools, churches, food banks, etc.

  12. I used to volunteer a lot at the Central Prison in Zambia. It gave me a lot of joy and satisfaction because the results of my efforts were tangible and changed people’s lives. For instance, a young inmate had lost touch with her family in Zimbabwe. I called her parents to tell them that she was in prison and fine health wise. I became their contact and I liked the sense of accomplishment the volunteering gave me.

  13. What a coincidence that today is #GivingTuesday and you posted this yesterday without knowing about Giving Tuesday! Must be something about the holiday season that makes people think of giving.

    Very proud of you for participating in the high school program! 🙂

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