What is your view on giving, tithing, etc.?

[MonkeyMama]

Surprised I didn't wade in here sooner. Not a ton to add after so much discussion.

BUT, I grew up thinking poor people tithed and wealthy people didn't. Right or wrong, this has very much been my experience. I have a number of impoverished relatives who readily give 10% to the church, etc. BUT I grew up in a more affluent area and I have a number of wealthy clients. Truth is, most of the middle class/upper middle doesn't tithe (church or charity) at all. (I know this from preparing their tax returns).

BEcause of this view, I find it financially irresponsible that so many financial gurus put 10% tithe in front of retirement, etc. PErsonally, I think they are crazy. You don't know how many clients I have had who have gone bankrupt over tithing/charity. It just doesn't make any sense to go bankrupt over giving!

Giving money is a GREAT thing, if you can truly afford it. But you need to be able to take care of yourself first.

In the meantime, there is plenty of opportunity to give of your time. Which is what we have focused on in our young lives. & frankly, we really don't know very many people who volunteer time. The need for both is great, but there are fewer volunteers of time than people handing out cash, from my experience.

As some of the others said, "giving" can be as simple as helping a neighbor. I don't agree at all that you have to part with your cash to be a giving person.

For the people who give a lot and are happy, I have no qualms with them. I just wish "financial gurus" would stop telling gullible people they need to give 10% of their income away to be good people, to succeed, and to lead fulfilling lives. Or that so many people believe that "everyone else is doing it." Why don't you start by helping out your neighbors, friends, families and community non-financially? Much more rewarding, in my opinion. I do believe that charity begins at home.

You'll be happy to know most of my WEALTHY clients give quite a lot to charity. They can certainly afford it. I've only got a few that are that well off though.

[ActYourWage]

Originally Posted by MonkeyMama

Surprised I didn't wade in here sooner. Not a ton to add after so much discussion.

BUT, I grew up thinking poor people tithed and wealthy people didn't. Right or wrong, this has very much been my experience. I have a number of impoverished relatives who readily give 10% to the church, etc. BUT I grew up in a more affluent area and I have a number of wealthy clients. Truth is, most of the middle class/upper middle doesn't tithe (church or charity) at all. (I know this from preparing their tax returns).

BEcause of this view, I find it financially irresponsible that so many financial gurus put 10% tithe in front of retirement, etc. PErsonally, I think they are crazy. You don't know how many clients I have had who have gone bankrupt over tithing/charity. It just doesn't make any sense to go bankrupt over giving!

Giving money is a GREAT thing, if you can truly afford it. But you need to be able to take care of yourself first.

In the meantime, there is plenty of opportunity to give of your time. Which is what we have focused on in our young lives. & frankly, we really don't know very many people who volunteer time. The need for both is great, but there are fewer volunteers of time than people handing out cash, from my experience.

As some of the others said, "giving" can be as simple as helping a neighbor. I don't agree at all that you have to part with your cash to be a giving person.

For the people who give a lot and are happy, I have no qualms with them. I just wish "financial gurus" would stop telling gullible people they need to give 10% of their income away to be good people, to succeed, and to lead fulfilling lives. Or that so many people believe that "everyone else is doing it." Why don't you start by helping out your neighbors, friends, families and community non-financially? Much more rewarding, in my opinion. I do believe that charity begins at home.

You'll be happy to know most of my WEALTHY clients give quite a lot to charity. They can certainly afford it. I've only got a few that are that well off though.

Very nice points. I agree, people shouldn't tithe/give if they are not responsible for taking care of their homes. (like wasteful spending, etc...)

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by MonkeyMama

I grew up thinking poor people tithed and wealthy people didn't.

Giving money is a GREAT thing, if you can truly afford it. But you need to be able to take care of yourself first.

I totally agree. I work in a poor area. I have actually had patients tell me that they can't afford their medication because after they pay the bills and tithe, they don't have enough left to live on. I try to nicely suggest that surely God doesn't want them to die of uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes in order to give more to the church. It is an awkward conversation but I do my best to diplomaticlaly suggest that their health is more important than how much they give to charity. If they die or become disabled from illness, they won't be able to help those in need at all.

It is truly a mindset that I can't personally comprehend.