Yeah, I know. You don’t have a Hummer. But what about a more global perspective on wealth? Enter you annual income and find out where you stand. The answer might damn well surprise you. (And so might your change of perspective.)
(Hat tip to WorldChanging for the link.)
Say you want to donate to a charity. How do you know if it’s a good one (effective use of money) or not? Without, say, reading their annual financial records? I recently donated to the United Way, but I don’t really know if that’s a good place to donate or not.
I just go by their reputation and word of mouth. And I tend to only give to charities I have some personal connection to: Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (my wife), Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (a friend works there), and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (my church’s international relief org).
Charities should tell you how much of each dollar they receive is spent on overhead and how much goes to their programs. I feel this is important, because I want to know they spend the money efficiently. Also, the American Institute of Philanthropy has a watchdog report and rates non-profits. Apparently the Better Business Bureau also has a Wise Giving Alliance that may be able to provide some info.
Thanks!!