I've committed to X# of dollars to my church every week. If things are really tight I'll skip the week and make it up the next week. I also have started giving gifts through HEIFER. Not only do I give a contribution in the name of the person but the contribution actually buys a flock of chickens, ducks &/or geese that goes to a family so they can support themselves for only $20 dollars.

As a recent college grad just starting out with her first job and apartment, I've learned to stick with my budget, no matter what. I love the warm fuzzies I get from donating my time and money, but lately it seems there isn't much of either to go around. At the end of every month, I go through whatever budgets I haven't fully spent ($100 for groceries, when I only really spent $85) and give a good portion of that to charity/church.

Also, if you sign up for online bill pay for your local bills (such as Utilities), many times they'll have a "Pass it On" option. My gas company allows me to contribute to a fund that pays for heat for less fortunate families. I may not have zillions to contribute, but I feel better knowing that extra $15 went to a family in need.

I have certain charities I give to and a set amount I give each month. In addition I set aside a certain percentage of any overtime I work to the local humane society. I give them extra since I foster for them and get to see first-hand what great things my money is helping to do. Even if you can only take a tour of the charity or chat with the people who work for or benefit by the charity, I highly recommend getting involved. It's much easier and more fulfilling to give when you see the dividends it pays first-hand.

Even though I am in debt, I still think tithing is important. Whether it is tithing in my church, helping out a friend or family member in need, or supporting a community cause, giving is important. Investing in one's community is a spiritual act of faith, and in doing so, God has a mysterious way of providing. While it is important to give of your resources, you should remember that giving of one's resources does not just mean money. One of the most precious resources we can give of is our time. Lend an ear to a friend, help a family member move, or volunteer at a church or charity event. These are all acts of kindness and giving that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us and have a way of rewarding us in ways we never could have imagined instantly and down the road.

In 3 areas, my family gives materially. When the school year begins, my 2 college- aged daughters and I buy school supplies of every sort. The total usually comes to $150-200 or more. It used to go to their elementary school. Now to one of the schools in the lowest income in the city. One year, my youngest daughter used her spare change she saved ($64) to buy even more supplies. She was 13 at the time.
Next, is Christmas. Again, the girls join us as they've done since they were 5 & 6. We used to buy for families at their school. They knew they were never to breathe a word that they had selected the coats they got to select and it drove home the message that even at their school there were others who may not have Christmas. Now we buy for dept. of family social services delivering $500-700 of clothing, hygiene items,books and toys. In both instances, these are budgeted.
Because of my passion and belief in literacy, I frequent the area bookstores clearance tables where I can pick up books for under $5-usually $2. I'll usually spend $15-35 per visit, depending on the selection. the books go to 2 schools in the low income area.
Throughout the year, I'll write non- budgeted checkes for usually $25 to send to the 3 elementary, middle and high schools our daughters attended for their Angel Fund. The fund is used for almost anything a student may need for school be it a bus ticket, sports fees, club fees, supplies.
Lastly, I have given my time for the past 15 years to the school district. Many times donations of hands are needed as much as monetary donation. With my girls now gone from the district, I volunteer at the school of our favorite teacher-now-principal. And, God bless him - it just so happens he's at the lowest income school district. I have the privilege of giving time to children who have many struggles at home.

I've always been taught the 10% rule. The catch for me is always....before or after taxes:-)

I always hold to the 10% rule. I live (I'd like to think, anyways) pretty frugally, but even then, I only had odd jobs that didn't even pay the bills for half of last year and couldn't even afford all my bills most of the time. Since then, I've gotten an okay-paying job, and I've been able to give the full 10% to my church again. I've also been supporting a child through Compassion International for years now, and I've continued that even when I didn't have a job. I think if it's important, you'll find it in your budget.

I know this is old but I'm so glad to find it, today. I just got my bonus and wondered if I should include the 10% tithe. I looked at the amount and thought, "that may be too much" so I apparently forgot the times that I tithed consistently and always got a return and favor.

When I consistently tithed, I took the 10% out of my paycheck in cash first, then divided it up for what I'd put toward the church and charity. Since I moved I asked around and read the scriptures and decided that the tithes in this day can be our charity.

In those days, the money they gave to the church was used to build up the community, nowadays, I believe we are allowed to give the tithes to our choice of charity so long as it's helping the community (meaning no family charity).

So, I'm going to go back and include my bonus in the tithes. We should be taking tithes out of the money we receive right? So, it's been after taxes for me. ^^