Teaching charitable giving

From the time my son first learned about money, he learned that he should be giving some of it away. The three jar money method really helped with this idea, and he is able to see when his money jar is full enough to donate to some cause.

So far his favorite causes are the donorschoose.org projects that teachers from his school initiate. He likes knowing that his money is helping his school, and he usually gets very nice notes of thanks from students and teachers.

But I need to help him branch out in his charitable donations. He may not always want to give to his school, and I am sure that he could research another charity that would mean a lot to him to support. (It would probably be related to cats.)

The point is to keep the conversation going. While it is important to build the ideas of "save" money and "spend" money early, some research suggests that giving money away to others is just as important a financial goal.

I would argue that it is also one of those life goals: If we are building the habit to help others in need, then we are building a habit of kindness.

And I think we can all agree that the world could use a little more kindness.

What charitable organization do you and your family support? Share with me in the comments.