SavvySugar

I'm Asking: Would You Make a Donation for "Free" Services?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:20 -0800

Not that I'm one to turn down a little something for nothing to save money, and take advantage of museum free days or other no-fee exhibits while traveling, even gratis concerts in the park can have people asking for donations to keep these things a reality.Still the reality is, seeing the donation bin doesn't always make people toss in money or it'd be overflowing daily! Even Google's free holiday Wifi program has a giveback option. If you're looking for a way to spread holiday cheer and generosity, you can make a charitable donation to one of three organizations, and the company will match it up to $250,000 - whoa, now that's some pricey WiFi!

If faced an optional donation, especially for a service you'd ordinarily have to pay for, do you offer up a little something in exchange?

Source: Flickr User andreadg

Reader Tip: Make Your Deductible Donations Before January

SavvySugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:07 -0700

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.

Cocoangel reminds us to clean out our closets, donate items to charity and reap the reward of a tax deduction, more closet space and giving. With 2009 coming to a close, now is the ideal time to make a big donation and pass on items you haven't used in a while. She says:

We stopped having garage sales years ago when our accountant pointed out that if we didn't have the money to give charities we could still claim deductions for the clothes, toys and household goods we donate. Even though we write checks now I still go through the closets and house looking for items that are still useful to someone else. I take a picture of the bags/boxes, attach it to the receipt left by the charity and file in our tax folder.

Do you have a tip for readers? Join our How Do You Save? group and share your helpful suggestions! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

If You Had Jolie-Pitt Kind of Cash, Where Would You Donate?

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:30:26 -0700

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

SavvySugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 07:30:55 -0700

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? Visit your local veteran's hospital for volunteer opportunities.

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Have You Made a Donation at the Grocery Store Checkout?

SavvySugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:30:01 -0700

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?

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Take a Charitable Note From Taylor Swift

SavvySugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:30:07 -0700

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. You, too? Take the opportunity to do some charitable Spring cleaning.

DonateMyDress organizes donation drives across the country to collect dresses for girls who can't afford to buy something for their high school proms. Thinking back to those big June dances, I appreciate how fortunate I was to have a family that could afford extras like a prom dress. Not everyone is so lucky, so take a second to locate donation drives in your area and round up your best condition dresses that you're never going to wear again. Remember, hold onto any receipt you get for making the donation for next year's taxes and consider taking a picture.

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Tax Tip: Take Pictures to Track Your Donations

SavvySugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:15:40 -0700

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. Should anyone come asking for evidence, you have more than a receipt to support your story. When it comes to taxes, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

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Experimental Website Customizes Charitable Donations

SavvySugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:15:41 -0800

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.

The underlying purpose of the site is to improve non-profit donations, and I think it's a useful tool for those who haven't been donating because they think it's beyond their budgets. The site is very easy to use and you don't have to provide any personal information, not even an email address.

First, you're taken through 15 non-profits that you rank on a scale from 'Not interested' to 'Very Interested', and a filtering algorithm is used to generate a statistical model of your preferences. You're then presented with a chart of their recommendations and asked to enter an amount that you wish to donate. Finally, the site divides your top charities by the amount you entered.

Charitable Giving in Lieu of Holiday Gifts

SavvySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:30:34 -0800

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.

Last year, the co-worker I randomly chose for our Secret Santa gift exchange asked for a contribution to a charity that meant something to her. Our spending limit wasn't much, but every small donation adds up to something powerful. If your cousin is passionate about the Amazon Rainforest, why not donate to conserve a special piece of the Amazon? Your contribution would help to protect what they love.

When you look around, there is a charity for pretty much everything. You could give to a particular organization in lieu of holiday gifts, or as a compliment to them. It is the season of giving, after all. Have you given charitable gifts in the name of someone on your holiday list?

Brilliant or Baffling: Salvation Army Accepting Credit Card Donations

SavvySugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:15:51 -0800

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. What do you think of this charitable development, is it brilliant or baffling?

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