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Growing through giving

December 2, 2025

Growing through giving

Have you ever noticed how good it feels to help someone? That same thoughtful and empathetic mindset is what helps build strong financial habits, too. 

When you give back, you practice:

  • Planning (how you’ll spend your time or resources)
  • Budgeting (what you can offer without overextending)
  • Prioritizing (what really matters to you)

💸 3 Ways to Give Back on Any Budget

  1. Donate small: Every bit helps! Even $5 can go far. Try setting up a recurring micro-donation through apps like RoundUp App or Givebutter. Or check out DonorsChoose to support classrooms directly. If you like to plan ahead, try adding a “giving” category to your budget. It doesn’t have to be much—$5, $10, or even the value of one cup of coffee a month. The point isn’t the amount; it’s being intentional about how you share your resources.
  2. Give your time: Volunteer locally or virtually! Browse opportunities on VolunteerMatch. Or sign up to be a Money Coach volunteer. Remember what it was like to have a 1-on-1 coach support you while you were in high school. You can pay that forward for the next generation!
  3. Support someone’s hustle: Share a friend’s small business post, leave a kind review, or buy from a local shop instead of a big chain. Even promoting someone’s work online can make a huge difference.

💰 How Donations Connect to Taxes

Giving with intention can strengthen your community and might even save you a little at tax time! Did you know that donating to certain organizations can also give you a small financial boost at tax time? If you itemize your deductions when filing taxes, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for donations made to qualified charitable organizations (like registered nonprofits and schools).

Here’s how to make it count:

  • Ask for a receipt any time you donate money or items.
  • Track your donations in a notes app or spreadsheet throughout the year.
  • Check eligibility: Only registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits count for deductions.

Learn more from the IRS: Charitable Contribution Deductions

The holidays may come and go, but the impact of generosity lasts all year. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply being kind, every action adds up. Keep finding ways to give that align with your goals and values—you never know how far those small moments of giving can reach. Let’s make 2026 another year of growth, gratitude, and giving back.

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