I want to give back! How do I afford it? - Post Reports Recap

Podcast: Post Reports

Published: 2025-12-20

Duration: 23 minutes

Guests: Michelle Singletary

Summary

Michelle Singletary discusses how to incorporate charitable giving into your budget, emphasizing the importance of giving from abundance and finding ways to donate time if finances are tight.

What Happened

Michelle Singletary shares her personal journey with charitable giving, inspired by her grandmother who took her and her siblings in to avoid foster care. This experience ingrained in her the importance of giving back, a value she has carried throughout her life.

Singletary emphasizes the importance of budgeting for charitable giving. She suggests allocating a portion of your income to charity after covering necessities. For her, tithing 10% of her gross income to her church is a non-negotiable part of her budget.

She explains that even those in debt can find ways to give back, recommending that people allocate whatever they can afford or volunteer their time if money is tight. Singletary believes everyone should dedicate some time to charitable activities, instilling these values in their children as well.

Singletary advises checking the legitimacy of charities before donating, highlighting the importance of avoiding scams. She recommends resources like the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, and Charity Watch for vetting purposes.

The episode explores the idea that any giving is good, even if motivated by tax breaks or social pressure, as the ultimate beneficiaries are those in need. Singletary acknowledges that while motivations can vary, the act of giving still holds value.

Singletary shares practical advice for creating a personal giving plan, suggesting people incorporate charitable donations into their regular budget, much like any other monthly expense. She encourages listeners to be intentional with their giving and to consider it as part of their overall financial health.

The conversation wraps up with tips on how to maintain a consistent giving practice, encouraging listeners to include charitable contributions in their New Year's resolutions and to cultivate a habit of giving throughout the year.

Key Insights

• Budgeting for charitable giving involves allocating a portion of income after covering necessities, with some individuals, like Michelle Singletary, committing to tithing 10% of their gross income.
• Even individuals in debt can participate in charitable activities by volunteering their time if financial contributions are not feasible, promoting a culture of giving regardless of financial status.
• Before donating to charities, it's advisable to verify their legitimacy using resources such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, and Charity Watch to avoid scams.
• Incorporating charitable donations into a regular budget, similar to monthly expenses, can help maintain a consistent giving practice and contribute to overall financial health.