The majority of us are motivated to save and invest by two factors: The desire to enhance our lives with resources that money allows us to access, or the wish to prevent a diminished existence as we age.
One often overlooked motivation to save and invest is the opportunity to express your values and empathy to the world through charitable giving. When we save and invest for the future and live within our means, that translates into the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Haitian tragedy brings to mind that we have an opportunity to make a difference in the world right now. This opportunity also coincides with the worst financial crisis of our times.
If you haven’t yet established a budget, an emergency savings account, or a retirement fund, you might not be in a position to contribute financially to relief efforts in Haiti.
Most communities across the country are engaging in charitible efforts of all kinds. If you can’t afford to contribute money, consider contributing your time and use this as an opportunity to get your financial fitness on track. Doing so means that the next time others are in need you’ll have the option to participate as you wish, be it time, money, or both.
Between 1994 and 2004 I worked for a government agency that investigates financial crime in Washington state. During that time I learned a lot of stuff about money. Like if someone cons you out of your hard earned bucks, they usually spend your money before they get caught. The criminal almost always gets busted, but the money is gone. Sometimes these crimes result in other, not-totally-awesome stuff. Stuff like identity theft, low credit scores, and piles of debt.