Financial Goals for 2009 (part 5)

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We are looking at financial goals for the New Year. MSN Money lists 6 financial milestones to reach before age 30. If you are already over 30, these milestones are still worth looking into, but the real question is whether or not these milestones are good goals. We will be looking at one milestone each day, here is the fourth milestone.

1. Scale back the credit cards

2. Own a home — or have a plan

3. Have skills

“Give money away”

Scott Hanson, founder of financial-planning firm Hanson McClain believes that the good vibes one feels from giving to a cause can also create that feel-good factor — one with more significance than a new CD or an 80% discounted cashmere sweater. “Giving your money away puts it in perspective,” he says.

This is one I feel very strongly about. As a Christian, we are merely stewards or managers of God’s resources. Too often we act like owners instead of managers. If we step back and ask ourselves “What Would Jesus Do” with the money we have, I think we would all agree that He would be helping other people. Even if you are not a Christian or have any religious beliefs at all, I think you will agree that helping someone less fortunate than you, really makes you feel good.

We teach that giving should be a part of your financial plan and it should come before anything else. Just like making savings a priority, if you don’t make giving a priority and wait until all the bills are paid, you won’t have anything left to give. Make giving a line on your budget and find a worthy charity to support. If you are a Christian, you should be giving to your local church, and if you don’t feel comfortable giving to your church because of the leadership or direction of the church, then find a new church and give generously and see how God will bless you. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7