April 8-14

You have been struggling financially your whole life. You just won a million dollar lottery. Do you give any to charity? I recognize that charities are a good thing but I have some concerns. I have an uncle that is a fire man. I have listened to him talk to my parents about how people are scamming others in the name of firefighters after the 9/11 tragedy. He described how they call for donations to help families of injured firefighters but the charity gives less than ten percent of contributions to the firefighter’s families. The rest they keep for operating costs, to pay themselves for their time and expenses of running the charity. He told my parents if they call you don’t donate to them.  For that reason I would think twice before giving my money to any charity. I would gladly help out family and friends because I would know my money wouldn't be wasted or given to people that don't necessarily need it. I know I would give ten percent of my money to charity because of my religious beliefs.   Beyond family and my church I would have to do some research before I would want to donate to a charity.