Being Generous on a Budget, Part Two - You Don't Need to Spend a Lot...to Give a Latte

by Traci Anderson | More from this Blogger

27 Apr 2007 07:05 PM

Often when we think about generous people we think about people like Bill Gates who gives millions (maybe even billions) of dollars to our nation's schools and other issues he is passionate about. Thankfully, you don't need to be the wealthiest person in the universe to make the world a better place. In fact, you can make a difference even if you are the most frugal person in town.

Let's start with one of my personal "splurges". I am passionate about my morning cup of coffee and I am sure there are numerous people who are just as enthusiastic about a little morning caffeine jolt.

Are you a drive-through latte or coffee drinker? Here's a great way to make a difference in the world without breaking the bank. This act of kindness is simple. Just drive into your favorite coffee joint and purchase a coffee for the car behind you. No, this doesn't mean that you have to give up your own morning fuel, just buy an extra cup and tell the clerk that it is for the next customer.

Don't get all fancy and try to order a "non-fat, soy, sugar-free, triple shot turtle latte..." Just because you like it, doesn't mean the next driver does. Just tell the tender to charge you for a basic latte and let the driver pick what they want for a flavor.

Maybe the next driver will pay-it-forward and buy the *next* driver a latte....and the next driver does the same, and so-on, and so-on. Really, what could be better than a bunch of caffeinated, happy, free-latte drinkers on their morning commute? You might even save someone from a sleepy-fender-bender.

There are so many ways that you can do small, inexpensive things to spread kindness. Do you have any suggestions? Share them with me in the comments section. In the meantime, stop in again for more ways that you can "pay it forward" on a budget.

Learn more about Traci Anderson

Traci is a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) from beautiful Big Sky Country (Montana). She spends most of her time trying to keep up with two extremely energetic (but hysterical) Irish twins.

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