Let’s be honest: having a little (or a lot) extra padding in your bank account can make life more comfortable. But the true magic of wealth isn’t in what you can buy for yourself—it’s what you’re able to do for someone else. That might sound cheesy, but the happiest, most fulfilled people I know aren’t the ones with the fanciest cars or the biggest houses. They’re the ones who figure out how to use what they have to leave the world just a bit better than they found it.
If you’re blessed with a little abundance, here’s how to use it in ways that build community, change lives, and make your legacy something you’re actually proud of.
Start Small, But Start Intentionally
You don’t have to be a billionaire to make a real difference. Pick a cause that sticks in your heart—it could be your local food pantry, scholarships for kids who remind you of yourself, or helping rebuild your neighborhood park. Even a few hundred dollars thoughtfully invested in someone else can be life-changing.
Give Time, Not Just Dollars
Money matters, absolutely. But showing up can multiply your impact tenfold. Volunteer alongside your donation, or create opportunities for friends and family to join you. Sponsor a day at a charity you love, then bring your team to see where the funds actually go. When others catch your enthusiasm, the ripple effect spreads even further.
Make Room For Direct, Everyday Generosity
Listen, not every act of giving needs fanfare or a plaque. Paying for a neighbor’s groceries on a rough week, tipping extra at your favorite local spot, or quietly covering a friend’s utility bill during a tough patch—these quiet gestures stick with people forever. Don’t discount them just because they’re not tax deductible.
Partner With People Who Get It
If you’ve got bigger dreams (say, starting a foundation or planning significant gifts), it pays to consult with a pro who really gets your goals, your values, and the nuts and bolts of wealth transfer. Someone like financial consultant Lance Belline, for example, can look at the big picture: helping you maximize the impact (and the fun!) of your giving while balancing long-term security for your loved ones.
Such pros can set up donor-advised funds, help with planned gifting, or even structure your giving for maximum tax efficiency (more money to charity, less to Uncle Sam).
Involve Your Circle
If you have kids or grandkids, talk openly about giving. Let them help pick a cause or tag along when you volunteer. Family giving traditions—big or small—often become the things children remember most. Team up with friends for a “giving circle” or challenge others to match donations for extra motivation.
Set It and Forget It… Sometimes
Automate monthly gifts to causes you care about, so you’re fueling good all year—even when life gets busy or you’re distracted by your own challenges. This habit can be especially helpful for nonprofits dependent on steady support.
Watch How the Giving Feels (It’s Contagious)
Time and again, study after study (and, honestly, just good old common sense) proves giving boosts our own happiness and sense of connection. When you see your dollars turn into books, scholarships, a meal, or even a smile, you realize money’s best magic is in what you share.
So go ahead—be generous, even in small ways. Your wealth is a tool, not just for comfort or security, but for leaving fingerprints of kindness everywhere you go. You might be surprised by just how good it feels.