When did donating to charity become the marker of a generous life? While generosity to charities is important (and I’m a big proponent of giving a percentage of your income away!), I’m not sure it’s the only way, or even the most important way, to live generously.
My grandparents have been some of the most generous people I have ever known. Growing up, again and again I watched them drop everything to help someone in need — particularly family and friends. They have lived with open hearts and open hands, freely sharing their time, advice, and often money. And though they have indeed supported a number of different charities, the generous living they modeled is one of their most important legacies.
This week I want to take a look at different ways you can live generously outside of donating. If you are feeling financially strapped and don’t have a lot of money to donate, this post is for you. But these ideas are for anyone who wants to adopt a posture of generous living beyond simply giving to charity.
Tipping: This past year, we’ve seen how necessary service industry roles really are, as well as how much additional risk those in the restaurant industry take on just to make sure we are well-fed. Prior to the pandemic, my husband and I tipped minimally or avoided tipping all together when we picked up takeout. But as we have often opted for takeout over in-person dining, we’ve kept our tipping at the same levels as our in-person dining: 20%. As you’re budgeting for eating out, include an extra buffer so that you can tip generously.
Tip: Tipping applies across various industries, not just the restaurant industry. Consider ways you can expand your tipping when you pay for salon/spa services, housekeeping, or travel assistance. Curious when you might need to tip and what the average (not the generous) tipping amount might be? Check out this guide.
Impact Investing: Beyond generosity in terms of your everyday budget, what might you do with larger assets like our retirement funds and other investments? Impact investing allows you to generate social and/or environmental impact while also earning a financial return. This isn’t charity — you’re still earning a return, although it may be less than what you might earn through traditional investing. However, impact investing can make an even bigger impact than traditional charity because you are putting more capital behind your values. Consider the difference that might result from giving $15 a month to an environmental charity, and investing $15,000 of your 401(k) in wind and solar energy.
Tip: Curious about impact investing? Ask your investment manager what options are available to you. If they don’t have any options available, take a look at this list from the Wall Street Journal to see how you might do some impact investing on your own.
Buying Wisely: Our everyday buying choices do have an impact on others and our world. Think of what might happen when you choose to buy local, buy from businesses owned by people of color or people from the LGBTQ+ community, buy sustainable, buy things that are ethically made, and so much more. Because it takes time, effort, and usually a little money to buy in this way, instead of trying to change all of your buying habits at once, choose one goal — like buying only sustainability made t-shirts — and moving from there.
Tip: A key part of buying wisely is making sure you’re only buying what you need. Similarly, when you find you don’t need something any more, choose to reuse, recycle, donate, or give the item to someone else (if possible) rather than just throwing it away.
Caring for Those in Your Life: Our family and friends are the people we are most connected with and most equipped to be generous to. While lending money can get a bit sticky, consider tangible ways you might support them with no strings attached. Could you text someone who is lonely? Pick up the check at dinner for someone who is struggling financially? Spend a few hours with tasks around the house? Take the time to really listen and learn what is actually needed and will be appreciated by the recipient.
Tip: Consider this a push to expand your circle. Too often we have relationships with people who look like us and experience life just like we do. Invest time getting to know others in your community who may have different experiences than you. Don’t just volunteer to serve them — form mutual relationships. Let them care for you as much as you care for them.
Voting: I’ve come to realize that voting is one generous way I can stand up for the most vulnerable in my community and challenge systems of oppression. There are many things on the ballot — particularly in local elections — that will not directly impact me. It’s been easy for me in the past to not prioritize voting in these elections for that reason alone. But the people who win local elections, and other items on the ballot (like school referendums, water or land use policies, or tax levies), can have an immense impact on my local community even if I never feel the full effect of (or benefit from) the legislation. Getting to know the issues, and listening to the voices of those who are impacted, has helped me see how valuable my vote can really be.
Tip: Getting informed doesn’t have to take as long as you might think. My husband and I usually take 15-30 minutes to familiarize ourselves with the issues and people on the ballot before casting our vote.