Does tightening your belt financially mean you do less for others?

What precious little my husband and I have to share with charities, which becomes less and less every year, we share with in our own community. Its a big world out there, our small penance would not offer much in the big picture, but in the smaller closer to home setting it does. Beside I know exactly where my dollar goes when I give at home.

Is tightening our belts and giving of what we have the answer? I think for those of us that are concerned about managing our own finances and lives are not the ones who should be worrying. Why don't the rich people give...they would certainly notice it less aand the amounts might have more impact. I can remember 50 years ago as a little kid being made to give my pennies to the missions. Money isn't the answer...we've been giving money for a bloody long time and the situations still exist. People are still bringing children into the world and abandoning them to a life of starvation, poverty and ill health. One would think that by now, enough schools would have been built, enough teachers are teaching these kids, enough hospitals have been built to educate and look after all these starving individuals but no...it seems there is never enough. That doesn't make any sense to me I'm afraid.

I don't like to give money to blind charities. I feel that my money doesn't reach the people who need it. I give money directly to a needy. I would go out to shelters and give money to people I feel need it rather than giving to middleman.

I grew up in the 80's era. I was always in fear of being homeless, not having money, etc. I remember the early days in my mother hood, scraping pennies to buy diapers. Now I am dealing with sending my oldest off next year, full of dreams and pray he makes it. I have been separated for a year and a half now, and I find I worry less about finances than i did the first 16 years of marriage. I still stress. I however, believe in the pay it forward system. If someone needs gas money, shoes for their kids, a medication, or whatever the case may be, I will share what little bit I may have in my pocket. When I pull up to a street corner, sometimes something has pulled at my heart, to give the homeless person $. I dont question its purpose once it is in their hands. I will donate pennies at gas stations in the penny holder for someone who might need it. It isnt up to me to save the world, our country, our county, our town or my neighbor hood.Sometimes I wonder if I can save myself..I know that I have everything I "need" and so many "wants".. we are not necessarily going to find the answers to world hunger, aids and other deadly diseases..the causes and cures, at least in our lifetime. But if we do things better now than what has been done, we will make a huge impact on the next generation. We are teaching each other, a tool, knowledge, whatever it may be, to recieve and give help. In turn, the pay it forward system, will reach millions. I have taught 3 children to give of themselves of what they are able, as long as they are able. Somedays, even though money would make a huge difference, a simple smile, hug, card, vision of natures beauty, etc. is all i need to replenish and be able to help someone else. I also believe what goes around, comes around. Money is just paper, easily destroyed. Love, humanity, spirituality, kindness, knowledge, caring, cannot...ever ... be destroyed...it is priceless..