Do you have a heart for generous giving but you’re on a really tight budget? These are some really creative ways to give generously — even when you’re barely squeaking by financially!
{Looking for more ways to give generously? Check out these Five Ways to Give on a Budget, How to Give Generously Through Couponing, and our 31 Days of Giving series!}
The following reader tip was submitted from Krystal of Rebel With A Good Cause
Generous giving is a value my husband and I are intentional about making a priority — but sometimes our budget feels like the biggest road block to embracing this value.
We’ve had to get creative about giving within the restraints of our budget. If you can relate to this struggle, here are 3 tips that allow us to give generously without breaking the bank.
1. Take an extra dish to a potluck.
I learned this from an elderly lady in our church as a fun way to be anonymously generous.
It’s always nice when there are extra dishes to choose from at potluck dinners. And if you want to reach out and invite someone else to join your meal, you can easily show that you have them covered. It can be as easy as a small box of brownies.
2. Share a meal.
It always cost less to make a little more food than to go out to eat.
This has been a great option with my parents as they have helped us in many ways over the years but they would not consider excepting any payment.
3. Hand Me Down Clothes.
Having been a recipient of this gift, I can not tell you how grateful I was to receive these clothes for my kids. These freebie clothes helped us save money and time.
Hand-me-down clothing are a great way to give to others without spending anything extra.
There are so many ways to be generous. These are just a few of the ways we can give a little bit more without noticing any extra strain on our budget.
What are YOUR favorite ways to give more on a tight budget?
Krystal is a mother, wife, nurse and blogger at Rebel With A Good Cause.
These are great.
Another thing to add is watching someone’s kids so that they can have a date night or even alone time. Our neighbors (who have become like grandparents to us) watch our kids for us and nothing makes me feel more loved. I feel so loved when someone sacrifices their time for me.
That is such a great suggestion! The gift of time is such a precious one! -Jordan, MSM Team
I must give two hands up for hand me downs. My husband and I were sooo broke when our son was born. Luckily, I had an acquaintance through my job that had a boy 18 months older than ours. She showered her hand me downs upon us for several years without asking. It was such a blessing!
Plus, babies and toddlers outgrow clothing so very fast. Things are really quite new looking for the first few children to wear them!
It is such a blessing!
These are great, Krystal! I’d also say that people giving their time generously is, to me, one of the greatest gifts. I often think of those who serve in the church by sharing their musical talents or folding the bulletins or teaching Sunday School, etc. I once gave a friend a $10 gift card to Starbucks and my husband I watched their three kids while they had a coffee date. My guess is that gift (even if I hadn’t given the gift card) was better to her than if I’d given her an expensive physical gift because time alone with her husband is so limited with young kids. My parents once straightened up our house when we were coming home from a road trip and it was such a blessing to come home to a very neat house!
These are fantastic ideas. Thank you!
Hand me downs are also great for grads (or someone getting back into the workforce). I really appreciated a few professional basics to help me get started until I could build up a wardrobe of my own.
We exchange clothes amongst several friends as our girls are different sizes at different stages/ages. As gifts – I’ll bake banana bread or muffins (always have bananas in the freezer) or I’ll get glade candles on sale & a coupon w them – I’ll put it in a party bag w some chocolates.
When Michaels has their large candles 3/10 or 5/10 — I’ll get a variety of fragrances of that season and keep them until need — hopefully not burning them all myself 😂
Great idea!
You’re so right thank you! There is so much more you can give besides writing a check. It’s easy to forget.
I’m glad it was useful!