My wife and I recently had our first child. She is a beautiful little girl named, Olive. I could go on for pages about how much I care for little Olive, but what is important for you to know is how much others have cared for us. Generosity can cure many ills. And when you are tired and overwhelmed, people’s generosity keeps you sane. Friends have made us meals, lent us clothes, and even ran our errands. This has made us feel very loved, and actually distorted our reality. Our reality is that we have no idea what we are doing, and if others hadn’t of helped out, then we would really be struggling mentally (and physically).

This got me thinking about our two things. First, single mothers are incredible. We can barely handle things in this first week between the two of us. Secondly, can acts of generosity help pull us out of a financial tailspin. I think so. We have discussed it before on this forum. Financial momentum is an important factor in your financial success. At one time or another we all need to catch a “break”. Does this mean forgive the rent payment that your tenant owes you? No. But it means being understanding and compassionate. Financial generosity can be as simple as taking your “old” stuff that you don’t use to Goodwill or a family in need.

Has your life been positively affected by generosity? Let us know. We want your feedback. Leave a comment on this blog.

And if you haven’t signed up for 60 Days to Change, then do it. 60 Days to Change is our program that can help you get your financial life together in just 60 days. Sign up at www.60DaysToChange.com

About Green Candy™

Green Candy™ (www.GreenCandy.com) is an online financial assessment tool that helps Gen Y-ers and Millennials get on the right financial track before the “debt hits the fan.” Introduced by radio personality, comedian and financial expert Pete the Planner (www.PeteThePlanner.com), Green Candy’s ™ various “pods” allow users to assess their financial health and competency in common areas such as Debt, Budgeting, Investing, Charity, Risk Management and Major Purchases, as well as in areas unique to Gen Y. A subsequent series of targeted worksheets, podcasts, tip sheets, and action plans guides them to the financial promise land. Green Candy™: Get in control before the debt hits the fan.

About Pete the Planner

Pete the Planner (www.PeteThePlanner.com) is expert financial planner Peter Dunn’s super-saving alter ego. Peter is an award-winning comedian and rising star in the financial world. Named one of “Indy’s Best and Brightest” in finance in 2007 by KPMG, Peter was also declared one of NUVO magazine’s “30 under 30 to Watch in the Arts” for comedy. Peter is the author of What Your Dad Never Taught You About Budgeting (2006) and is the host of the popular radio show Skills Your Dad Never Taught You on News Talk 1430 (WXNT). He blogs regularly at www.petetheplanner.com/blog. Pete appears regularly on Fox News and Fox Business as well as various CBS stations. His newest book, 60 Days to Change, is due out in June.

If you have turned on the news in the last 30 years then you might have noticed that a whole lot of bad things happen to good people on a daily basis. Some of these events covered by the news cause us to perk up and listen, and some of these events are the mundane (but still awful). Recently there have been a great deal of terrible weather events that have negatively affected a great deal of people in our community. Many people have lost everything. Everything.

Let’s address everything for a moment. What would it be like to lose everything? It is hard to even phathom. You would have no home, no clothes, no car, no anything. Insurance in most cases won’t pay for these things because many people don’t have flood coverage. A flood is not covered by typical home owners insurance. Okay, so here you are with nothing except for one thing…the mortgage for your house that doesn’t exist anymore. So now, with your current income you must be able to pay off the house that doesn’t exist, replace all of your possessions, and pay for a new place to stay. It is impossible.

So what have I done to help? Nothing. Yet. I have been thinking about these people nonstop for about three days. Will giving $100 to the Red Cross help? I hope. Will giving $100 to the Red Cross make me feel better? I don’t think it will. I started guilting myself into making a bigger difference. How can I go to the movies this weekend and enjoy myself, while that $20 is better spent on someone’s food? Then my mind goes to what did I do to help during 9/11 or Katrina or when some kid that lives in my town needs leukemia treatments. Some of these things have gotten my dollars, but I usually have to shake myself into gaining some perspective before I give.

I am not urging you to give (but you should). I am simply urging you to ask yourself the tough questions. If spending money on worthless stuff still makes you feel empty, then why not give money to people that need to feel partially whole? The bottom line is this: we shouldn’t have to watch people suffer in order for us to give to the needy. But, if that is what it takes, then fine. But, if we can make it through all the tough questions without getting out our checkbook, then shame on us.