What can the rationale possibly be?

Mary13
Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:56:29 +0000

CIA, Do you spend any portion of your take-home earnings on movies, concerts, itunes, fast food, etc? If so, does that bother your mom? If she has a problem with those kind of “fun” expenses, then she is probably concerned about impending college bills and wants you to save every penny that you possibly can. Hence, the anxiety over giving money to charity.

If she does not have a problem with the “fun” expenses and is happy to have you spend some money for pleasure, then why don’t you present it to her this way: “Mom, how about if I put half my income into savings and I spend the other half the way I want? I won’t complain about putting away half my money, if you won’t complain about what I decide to do with the other half.” Your charity donations would then be in the half that you spend freely. (Obviously, if needing more money for college is a sticking point with your mom, change the percentages accordingly, e.g. 60% to savings, 40% to what-you-will. You may have to cut back on your personal expenses to continue to give to charity, but sacrifice is a key part of giving.)

I’ve worked for a non-profit for many years, so…thanks. And if your mom’s issue is that she only wants you to spend your excess income on things that make you happy, remind her that there is a great deal of joy and personal satisfaction in giving to others.