Frugal Guide to Helping Others in Need

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

01 Jul 2009 02:29 PM

Helping others in need is a difficult concept when you you count your pennies yourself. It is especially difficult when you know that the person in need of help is quite wasteful with money normally. You will feel it is their fault for ending up in dire straits and not want to help at all. Still, if they have children, or medical issues, your heart-strings will beg you to help. Here are some things you can do to help without compromising your ideals, or harming your own budget.

1. Cut coupons and get free coupons online: A person who is truly in need could always use coupons. Don't give them coupons for things that they wouldn't normally buy, but if they have a child in disposable diapers, or baby wipes, if they have dogs that need food, or if you have coupons for things you know they use, give them coupons to help them make those purchases.

2. Take advantage of buy one get one sales. Some bogo sales require you purchase two items. If your second item was going to go to waste, why not share it with your neighbor? Drop off a bag of food after your shopping trip.

3. Raid your closet. If someone in that family is the same size as someone in yours, check for items that you can't use or don't want to give to them. Don't give them damaged or out of style items, but something you purchased but perhaps were not happy with the fit.

4. Make and drop off meals. You can provide a meal for someone else without breaking the budget by doubling your own recipe and giving the extra food.

5. Invite them over for dinner. If they are not the type to accept help, then invite them for dinner and entertainment. They will have a change of scenery and feel loved instead of like they are being given charity.

6. Protect yourself. Be careful to give on your terms only. Sometimes givers are taken advantage of and people expect them to give before taking care of themselves. Also, never break your own frugal rules to provide for someone else.

Are You Being Taken Advantage Of or Helping Others?

Teaching Children to Love and Serve Others

Don't Put Off Serving Others

Andrea Hermitt writes for parenting (specifically teens), the home blog, and also the frugal blog, and homeschooling at families.com.

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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