Certainly! Here is a rephrased version of the title:

Certainly! Here is a rephrased version of the title:

STEP 25: PAY IT FORWARD

This post is part of a 30-day series called the 30 Steps Program to Financial Independence.

Learning to give effectively is a step I’m still mastering. In Europe, people typically donate much less to charity compared to the US. We don’t usually donate to our alma maters or buy cookies from Girl Scouts. We might donate to big NGOs, but often try to avoid neighbors selling lottery tickets for school fundraisers.

Having attended a Catholic school and been a Girl Scout, I’ve done a lot of volunteering, and I’d say I’m pretty generous with my time. I’m more than happy to fix a computer, cook for someone, or teach them something. But when it comes to giving money, I hesitate.

My hesitation comes from seeing too many poorly managed projects. I feel like my money isn’t being well spent. For example, I don’t want to fund a minister’s lifestyle if I think he’s not frugal enough. Similarly, I’m reluctant to support classmates’ volunteering trips if I believe they might get scammed in Africa. Few charities have convinced me they are worth my financial support.

However, I do support a charity that helps girls in Southeast Asia get a free education. Here, all the funds go directly to the girls, with separate fundraising for administrative costs. Charity:Water is another example; all donated money goes directly to their projects. I appreciate this transparency and assurance.

Let’s return to the concept of giving. As we discussed before, helping out in your community means you’re more likely to receive help in return. Personally, after being away from home for the last ten years, I deeply value the things I miss out on from not giving. Since I can’t help friends move or babysit, it’s hard to ask them for favors when I return. Time and effort are mutual exchanges.

Donating money to your church might allow you to use their meeting room for your book club. Volunteering at a soup kitchen can help you meet new people, learn new skills, and save money by avoiding expensive hobbies. It’s a win-win-win situation.

Be generous. Appreciate what you have. What you give could be minor to you but a massive help to someone else. You don’t have to travel far to make a difference. Look around at your friends, family, and community. Is there someone who could use your help? By being grateful and giving, you improve the world around you and attract good people who are also willing to help. Value those relationships.

Through giving back, you’ll gain valuable skills, gifts, and life lessons. You’ll realize how much you really have and how little you actually need, guiding you toward greater financial independence.