Today's post might be a bit unusual, but it's on my mind.
As I have mentioned before, I'm an avid reader of financial blogs. I just love hearing what other people have to say about money, whether I agree with them or not. A blog I read today quoted an article from MSN Money, called "6 financial milestones before 30". Here are their suggestions of things to accomplish before the age of 30:
1. Scale back the credit cards.
2. Own a home -- or have a plan.
3. Develop a set of marketable skills.
4. Establish a regular charitable giving plan.
5. Get a firm grasp on your priorities.
6. Have strong advisers in your life.
After reading the post and all of the commentary surrounding each item, I proceeded to read the comments. Dozens of readers commented on this. Most people gave a "report" on where they stood with each item, along with their age. One thing that really stood out to me was Item #4, regarding charitable giving. Not ONE person mentioned consistently giving a percentage of their income to charity. Most people said that they give here and there, but nothing consistent and nothing significant. It led me to ponder my own charitable giving...
For the first time in my entire life, our charitable giving in 2007 was in the 5-figure range. It won't be that high this year, but that's because I'll only make about 65% of what I made last year, due to the terrible economy and mortgage meltdown. We give 10% to our church, plus an additional amount each month for a capital campaign, and then we support several other individuals who are in ministry. Total giving equates to probably about 16% of our take-home income, give or take.
I don't say that to toot my own horn... I say that because I have realized very recently that it has become downright painful each month to write that tithe check. I am so tempted to cut back on what we give, because my paychecks have been so paltry the past few months due to a major slowdown in my business. I find it interesting that 16% of a tiny paycheck is SO much more difficult to write than 16% of a huge paycheck, even though the amounts are so vastly different. (I realize I'm using some fuzzy math... the capital campaign and support of our friends are fixed amounts, so the actual percentage varies depending on my paycheck, but you get the point.) Which affirms my belief that giving is truly a heart issue. I don't think it's the percentage that's important, but the attitude and heart behind it. Why have I suddenly felt so stingy with my money now that I don't have as much, as if it's mine to begin with and not entirely God's? On some levels, I do think it's good to "give until it hurts", but I've had to really give myself a gut check on why I'm tempted to cut back on my giving. (I haven't cut back, but the temptation is great as I've dipped into savings the past few months to cover our monthly expenses.) It is the LORD who provides for us... every penny belongs to Him anyway... why do I worry about money at all? It has revealed a heart issue that God and I need to have a conversation about, to confess my worries and mistrust.
By the way... I'm half a decade past 30 now, but I'm doing pretty good on all 6 items. My report card would get me straight A's, but report cards don't reveal the heart. Hmmm.....
As I have mentioned before, I'm an avid reader of financial blogs. I just love hearing what other people have to say about money, whether I agree with them or not. A blog I read today quoted an article from MSN Money, called "6 financial milestones before 30". Here are their suggestions of things to accomplish before the age of 30:
1. Scale back the credit cards.
2. Own a home -- or have a plan.
3. Develop a set of marketable skills.
4. Establish a regular charitable giving plan.
5. Get a firm grasp on your priorities.
6. Have strong advisers in your life.
After reading the post and all of the commentary surrounding each item, I proceeded to read the comments. Dozens of readers commented on this. Most people gave a "report" on where they stood with each item, along with their age. One thing that really stood out to me was Item #4, regarding charitable giving. Not ONE person mentioned consistently giving a percentage of their income to charity. Most people said that they give here and there, but nothing consistent and nothing significant. It led me to ponder my own charitable giving...
For the first time in my entire life, our charitable giving in 2007 was in the 5-figure range. It won't be that high this year, but that's because I'll only make about 65% of what I made last year, due to the terrible economy and mortgage meltdown. We give 10% to our church, plus an additional amount each month for a capital campaign, and then we support several other individuals who are in ministry. Total giving equates to probably about 16% of our take-home income, give or take.
I don't say that to toot my own horn... I say that because I have realized very recently that it has become downright painful each month to write that tithe check. I am so tempted to cut back on what we give, because my paychecks have been so paltry the past few months due to a major slowdown in my business. I find it interesting that 16% of a tiny paycheck is SO much more difficult to write than 16% of a huge paycheck, even though the amounts are so vastly different. (I realize I'm using some fuzzy math... the capital campaign and support of our friends are fixed amounts, so the actual percentage varies depending on my paycheck, but you get the point.) Which affirms my belief that giving is truly a heart issue. I don't think it's the percentage that's important, but the attitude and heart behind it. Why have I suddenly felt so stingy with my money now that I don't have as much, as if it's mine to begin with and not entirely God's? On some levels, I do think it's good to "give until it hurts", but I've had to really give myself a gut check on why I'm tempted to cut back on my giving. (I haven't cut back, but the temptation is great as I've dipped into savings the past few months to cover our monthly expenses.) It is the LORD who provides for us... every penny belongs to Him anyway... why do I worry about money at all? It has revealed a heart issue that God and I need to have a conversation about, to confess my worries and mistrust.
By the way... I'm half a decade past 30 now, but I'm doing pretty good on all 6 items. My report card would get me straight A's, but report cards don't reveal the heart. Hmmm.....
2 comments:
Joey, this is Vicki, Daron's mom. Your insights are so great when you write. Maybe writing is a talent you're not using enough. Kind of like that woman who sends us devotionals every day that I've shared with you. You just keep doing what you're doing. It seems like to me you're doing something right in your life. Hope you're feeling well carrying Westin around all the time.
Jeremy and Joey,
Been there. Thanks for staying the course and persevering. Trust can be hard but God is good.
Excited about Westin!!
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