The Privilege of Giving at Thanksgiving

blessings of the year, offering an opportunity for families to come together and give thanks. Thankfulness for— families, friends, health, and opportunities filled with warmth, gratitude, and giving.  There is the “thanking” and the “giving”, giving thanks but also the being thankful to being in a position to give.

Financial Privilege of Giving

Financial well-being allows people to give freely, whether through donations, gifts, or simply being generous with loved ones. Being able to afford to give is a hallmark of financial security and the freedom of being generous. For those who may not be in a position to give financially, there are still many ways to make a difference during Thanksgiving. Volunteering your time, offering skills, or simply sharing a kind word or thoughtful gesture can go a long way in making the season meaningful for others. This reminds us that giving isn’t always about money; it’s about the act of caring for others in ways that align with one’s personal resources and sharing your M.E.A.T. An individual can either give of their Money, Energy, Attention or Time.(MEAT) Giving doesn’t always need to be financial.

The Wealth Gap & Access to Giving

The reality is that giving is not evenly distributed across society. Many in today’s tough economy struggle to meet their basic needs with high shelter costs, interest rates and inflation caused little room in their budgets for charitable donations. For these individuals and families, Thanksgiving may not be about giving back in a monetary sense, but rather focusing on their own survival. This economic disparity highlights the privilege that comes with the ability to give. If one has disposable income to donate or spend, it’s worth reflecting on the broader societal gaps that make giving a privilege for some, while out of reach for others. One’s financial stability allows them to make a difference, but it also comes with a responsibility to recognize those who don’t have the same access to resources.

Gratitude as a form of Wealth

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the wealth of relationships, health, and well-being. Being able to give, whether through financial means or personal effort, is a reflection of the resources you have been blessed with. The privilege of giving underscores the importance of gratitude – not just for what we have, but for the opportunity to share it with others. As the season ended last week, it’s worth reflecting on how financial choices empower us to be a force of good in the world, and how, at various financial status, there’s always a way to make a positive impact.

Conclusion

The year 2024 is drawing to a close as we go through the cycles of the seasons, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and then it will be a new year 2025. This month is a milestone one for me as I now cross 5 years at RBC Dominion Securities as an Investment Advisor with part of journey showing up for the community with the webinar series and this newsletter. Thank you for giving your time, attention, ears and eyes with the ideas and thoughts I have been sharing over the years.

Orlando Lopez,CFP,CIM,CIWM Book a Meeting Upcoming Webinars