How do you give?

[Nolan Merrill]

I'm talking in terms of philanthropy, tithing, charity..etc. How and to where do you give? I've always believed it's important to have an open hand to others and to bless unto people as you are able. 

For those of you who do...when did you start giving and how do you know where to give? 

[Scott Trench]

Hey @Nolan Merrill

This is a great topic! Thanks for posting it. Personally, I'm of the opinion that I can be more valuable in donating my time than my money. I'm passionate about helping people achieve financial freedom and believe that building wealth is a great way to achieve freedom and control from outside influences on your life and ambitions. 

To that end, I try to spend at least a few hours of my time each month with organizations that help people in disadvantageous economic situations LEARN about finance and wealth creation. Some of the organizations that I've worked with include the following:

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Operation Hope

UpStream Impact (I plan to start working with them over the next few weeks, and reached out last week - haven't actually gotten involved here yet, but I'm very excited about their mission!)

This type of giving, in my view, is a great way for those of us still working towards financial freedom to start by donating our time, which can have far greater impact than our money. It also exposes me to the problems faced by those in different economic positions, and I think helps my worldview. 

I think that giving, just like entrepreneurship, is all about adding value at the greatest possible impact level. It's all about whatever cause you are passionate about and believe will create the most value for the most people.