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Reader Tip: Make Your Deductible Donations Before January
Over time we each develop a unique saving style, which is why we started the How Do You Save? group for you to divulge your winning tactics. The group offers a place for you to dole out your advice to other SavvySugar readers trying to save a little moolah and learn from their experiences.
If You Had Jolie-Pitt Kind of Cash, Where Would You Donate?
The power couple of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is way more than a gorgeous, talented duo. They're known to support important causes, both domestically and around the world, often donating large (as in millions) sums of money when it feels right. If you had the kind of cash in the bank that could warrant exceptional monetary gifts to charities, where would you donate?
5 Charities That Support Our Troops
If you'd like to honor the men and women who have served our country or are in the process of doing so, one way of giving back is to donate to a charity that supports our troops. Many military charities exist, but these five have been rated as some of the most efficient organizations. Can't afford to donate?
Have You Made a Donation at the Grocery Store Checkout?
On my recent trip to the grocery store, I swiped my card and the machine asked me if I'd like to make a donation to People With Disabilities. It's a smart way for charities to solicit donations because people are already spending money, and adding an extra $5 to the bill doesn't seem like much when you're already shelling out $100. Have you made a donation while checking out at the grocery store?
Take a Charitable Note From Taylor Swift
Famous or not, most women own at least one dress that hangs uselessly in our closets. Take a note from Taylor Swift and turn the seemingly good-for-nothing dress into a good act; the 19-year old singer donated her long cream and gold Jessica McClintock gown to DonateMyDress.org. I certainly don't have any prom dresses in my possession any longer, but I have a selection of worn-once bridesmaids dresses that could use a better home.
Tax Tip: Take Pictures to Track Your Donations
When I sheepishly told my tax preparer that I'd misplaced my receipts for the donations I made to Goodwill throughout 2008, he gave me a good-willed evil eye and then offered a great piece of advice. He said that while he's claimed thousands and thousands of dollars in donations throughout the years, and never once has anyone come knocking for proof, but that not everyone is left unbothered.
He picked up a smart tactic from his clients, and I'm going to start using it the next time I have a donation bag ready to go: Take pictures of the items you donate and then upload the photos to your computer.
Experimental Website Customizes Charitable Donations
When we're trying to get a handle on our finances, giving money away doesn't even seem like a viable option. However, for most organizations, a small donation makes a difference. UC Berkeley and Craigslist joined forces to create a research-based website, called Donation Dashboard, that helps you choose charities in line with both your interests and your budget.
Charitable Giving in Lieu of Holiday Gifts
This year, there are more organizations in need of help and less people who have money to spare; this formula does not bode well for charities or the people who rely on them. The misconception that it takes deep pockets to give to charity scares away some potential givers. The truth is, any amount counts and is appreciated.
Brilliant or Baffling: Salvation Army Accepting Credit Card Donations
The Salvation Army bell-ringing is as much an expected part of the holiday season as department store Christmas music and the seasonal flavors at Starbucks. Because so many people roll cash-free these days, this is the first year the organization is experimenting with accepting debit and credit card donations. The standard red kettle will still play a role in holding cash contributions, but five bell-ringers in El Paso County, CO will also have the ability to swipe cards.
I'm Asking: Have You Ever Made a Donation to Get Something?
The new show Privileged chronicles a Yale educated writer-turned-tutor of two rebellious and undirected teenage girls in a wealthy community in Florida. In the recent "All About What You Really, Really Want" episode the girls shun a study session to attend a ritzy party, noting that their aunt can make a donation and get them into any university they desire. Turns out the friend they got the idea from didn't get into college at all (despite his father donating millions of dollars), but the scene reminded me that as a society we seem to believe that cutting a large donation check can get us whatever we want.
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