For many of us, leaving this world better than we found it is important. Yet, finding the right cause or charity to support can feel daunting.
Such an undertaking can seem so overwhelming, you may wonder if you can make a significant difference at all!
Luckily, we have found some simple ways to better this world with money and family values you can easily put to use.
The Importance of Family Values to Better This World
Family values are “one of the most impactful components of society.” They can affect the way we view and experience discipline, money, time, and relationships.
While values can vary among families, they are a common thread that gives a sense of hope and meaning during challenging situations.
As the fundamental unit of society, families and their values inform positive social values, which, according to a 2024 article published in Heliyon, “enhance children’s awareness of the culture of giving.”
And because family values tend to be passed down through their lineage, they are essential in cultivating compassionate future generations committed to giving back to society through various avenues.
Thus, instilling the following principles in your household leads to responsible and resilient members of society.
- Empathy
- Family Time
- Honesty
- Love
- Loyalty
- Perseverance
- Respect
Read more: How Are The Greek Values Of Family And Perseverance Shown Through Odysseus’s Return Home?
6 Simple Ways to Better This World with Money and Family Values
It is said that money can’t buy happiness. But to those in need, it can certainly provide much-needed peace of mind and stress relief.
If you want to better the world, but feel overwhelmed by all the options and don’t know where to begin, here is a list of simple things you can do to make the world a better place, regardless of your budget, while keeping your values at the forefront.
1. Be a Conscientious Consumer
As consumers, we have more purchasing power than we realize.
By supporting ethical, eco-friendly, local products, businesses, retailers, and manufacturers, consumers can have a greater impact over time on the things we care about than if we were to make a one-time contribution to a single cause.
This doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, all-encompassing change.
Simply select a category you care about, do your research, find companies that function in a way that aligns with your values, and support them by spending your money on them.
By being a conscientious consumer, you can better this world with your money in a way that aligns with your values and has a long-lasting effect on society.
2. Purchase Groceries for a Struggling Family
We live in uncertain economic times, and unfortunately, most people know a family or two who are experiencing food insecurity.
Not having enough money to purchase groceries can be a great source of stress, especially for a family with children.
For others, going to the store might prove difficult because they have small children, they are caring for an elderly, ill, or disabled person, or they are elderly, ill, or disabled themselves and unable to leave home.
By purchasing and delivering groceries to a family in need, you may not be changing the world, but you will certainly make a world of difference to them.
3. Give a Generous Tip
Few things are as amazing as a sudden monetary windfall.
Many workers in the service industry, such as waiters, waitresses, baristas, housekeepers, and hairstylists, rely on tips because of the staggeringly low hourly wages.
To make a difference in someone’s life, tip them more than the customary 15-20% of the bill. An amount equal to or greater than the total bill can make for a wonderful gift.
Leave a note with the generous tip, or make it anonymous; it is your choice.
What matters is that you will perform a selfless act of kindness that will better someone’s world with your money and with your family values at heart.
4. Assist with Medical Bills
Similarly, helping out a friend or family member with their medical bills can ease their financial burden.
Unexpected diseases, injuries, and chronic health conditions can lead to economic hardship, even for those with health insurance.
Ambulance transport, treatments, prescriptions, surgeries, and hospital stays can quickly add up to substantial medical bills.
To assist someone facing unforeseen medical bills, you can offer to pay their insurance deductible or contribute to their medical expenses.
By reducing their financial strain, you enable them to recover or assist their family member in recovery.
5. Pay Students’ Lunch Balance
While many students from low-income families qualify for free or reduced school lunch programs, some may not qualify or they may not afford the reduced lunches.
If you have the funds, pay off the balance on one or several students’ meal accounts.
It can make the difference between a child having a warm school lunch or going without, since for many of them, it may be the only meal they have that day.
Your money will certainly better each child’s world, and it will align with your family values.
6. Donate Food and Baby Items
Donating your time or food items to a food pantry or soup kitchen, especially during tough economic times, can make a huge difference for many struggling families and homeless individuals.
Likewise, donating baby items to a women’s shelter or community center can help single moms and dads facing economic hardship.
Diapers, baby bottles, and clothes, as well as big-ticket items, such as cribs and strollers, are always a great way to help.
You can always call the organization of your choice and inquire about their needs. If ever in doubt, you can always make a monetary contribution.
Final Thoughts on Simple Ways to Better This World with Money and Family Values
With so much need all around us, finding the right cause or charity to support can be overwhelming.
The simple ways to better this world with money and family values outlined in this article can help you achieve your heartfelt pursuit of leaving this world better than you found it.
While these ideas may not change the world, to the person or organization you support, you’ll make a world of difference.
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