How to Give More

For years, Hubby and I struggled with being able to give more to causes and ministries that were on our hearts.  I want to share with you a few ideas to free up funds to give more to those who need it.  This mission to give more has a direct tie-in to my PennyPinchingPenguin blog.

After we moved across the country nearly 2 years ago, it took awhile to absorb the costs of the move plus the costs of having our first baby.  Money was beyond tight.  I learned how to use coupons.  I was able to cut our grocery and household spending budget in half!

Now, how does that tie in with giving?  Well, with the reduced spending, we are able to better meet the needs of our growing family PLUS we are able to give more.

Here's a good example.  Toothpaste.  Normally a tube of Crest Pro-Health runs about $4.50 per tube.  Let's say that we use one tube per month.  By bargain shopping and stocking up during sales, I don't pay more than $.50 per tube and often pay nothing.  If I buy 12 tubes per year at full price, I would pay $54 in a year.  By bargain shopping, I pay an average of $.25 per tube. 12 tubes in a year would be about $3.  That is a savings of $51.  $51 EXTRA DOLLARS to go elsewhere.

If we took our savings from just toothpaste and put it in a jar for a year, it would be nearly enough to buy a wheelchair to give someone dignity and get them off the ground!  How awesome is that - just by saving money on toothpaste!

I challenge you to find a way to cut your spending - just one little thing is all I ask.  Pray about how to use that money to bless others.  I will be giving mine to the Free Wheelchair Mission.  For just $59.20, a life can be changed.  How will you give?