Most money books, how to get rich teachers and self help gurus almost always tell us that we should give money to receive money. It’s not a new idea as religious texts have been pushing this angle forever but I’m saying that we should save ourselves first.
I’m not saying that giving money to good causes or people in need is a bad thing. I do it myself every month and it gives me a tingling sensation inside that few other things can do!
What I am saying is that you should NOT give a single dollar to any cause until you are a free man or woman.
Give your time, your knowledge, your empathy, your prayers, your positive thoughts, your skills, your labor, or your compassion. Just DON’T give your money if you don’t have enough passive income from investments that cover your living expenses.
Trust me, the world will go on without your tiny donations but you will NEVER be free if you continue to burn money.
From the new age angle, we’re told it’s the law of the universe, we must give to receive. They’ve never understood the much more generous law of compound interest. As your wealth snowball increases you’ll feel rich and he that has, more will be given to him.
If you think this will anger your god, write him a letter explaining that you’re temporarily suspending all money donations until you’re free. And then you can resume giving with strength, freedom, and in much larger amounts than you can now.
Or if you’re going to just blow your money now on useless things then yes, continue giving money to good causes as you’re not going to become free anytime soon anyway. Those who are going to wisely invest the dollars that would usually go towards charity should refrain from giving to charities. Listen to the air hostess next time you board a plane. She’ll tell you the same thing I’m telling you: Put your own air mask on before helping those around you (for obvious reasons).
Also, this is not a license to become a complete tight-ass either. Be generous with your friends and family. Your central theme should be freedom, but don’t become horrible and burn bridges while chasing your goal.
For now though, every single spare dollar that finds itself sitting in your red hot little pocket should go towards your income producing investments. As these dollars compound over the years they will become a money making machine. Only then should you become the greatest philanthropist that ever lived. Only then should you pay off the car loan of your hopeless cousin Roger or lend $500 to aunt Mary, knowing that you’ll never see a cent of it paid back.
Personally I would only consider helping cousin Roger or aunt Mary if it involved investments or money education. I’m only interested in helping people become free or supporting causes that I am passionate about. People that aren’t interested in freedom will continue doing what they have always done, with or without your help.
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