Balancing saving money and being generous to the poor?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dan
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dan

Guest
I’m young, broke, and have tons of credit card debt that I’ve barely made a dent in. (In fact, I’ve been behind on my bills for quite some time and I’ve gotten used to phone calls/letters from bill collectors.)

But I also feel a pull to give money to the poor. How do I reconcile Christian duty to help the poor with my less-than-ideal financial situation?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
  • Dan
 
you can’t give what does not belong to you, so what you earn that should go to pay creditors belongs to them, not to you, and it is up to them to help the poor out of that money. you give out of what you have left after paying your debts, and before you give to yourself. except savings for emergencies, pay off debt first, because it is more expensive to owe and interest on savings will not offset interest on borrowed money. we had a thread on this question not to long ago that had some quite interesting observations and variations on the them. among them were various suggestions on how to help the poor in ways other than financial gifts, service, volunteer, prayer etc.
 
You could volunteer your time to the poor by joining a ministry at your parish like St Vincent de Paul or Meals on Wheels.
 
someone once told me we can “give” our time, talent and treasure. Since you’re low on “treasure,” maybe you could give on your time and talent for now. I’m in the same boat!
 
Instead of trying to give money, go through your closets, drawers, etc., and donate items that are in good condition. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, etc.
 
puzzleannie said:
you can’t give what does not belong to you, so what you earn that should go to pay creditors belongs to them, not to you, and it is up to them to help the poor out of that money. you give out of what you have left after paying your debts, and before you give to yourself. except savings for emergencies, pay off debt first, because it is more expensive to owe and interest on savings will not offset interest on borrowed money. we had a thread on this question not to long ago that had some quite interesting observations and variations on the them. among them were various suggestions on how to help the poor in ways other than financial gifts, service, volunteer, prayer etc.
Click to expand...
Do you have a link to this tread?

Thanks,
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top