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Supporting local charities makes our community stronger

Did you know you are making a difference in your community — simply by being a Numerica Credit Union member? That’s because Numerica invests earnings toward its core purpose of enhancing lives, fulfilling dreams, and building communities.

In addition to financial gifts, Numerica provides resources to help members care for the well-being of our community in day-to-day life.

Living well begins with helping others

When you give where you live, you show your love and dedication to our community. You become an important part of making an impact, whether through donations, volunteerism, or fundraising.

Adopting this philosophy is simple once you create the mindset and framework to make it happen:

• Set aside money in your budget for sharing
• Give to causes that are close to your heart
• Volunteer — it’s a way to give back even if you’re low on funds
• Make giving time and/or money a consistent practice

Spend, Save, Share

When setting your budget, a good rule of thumb is to think about Spend, Save, Share. It’s a great guideline to strive for in a budget. You should be spending no more than 70% of your income, saving 25%, and sharing 5% with the community.

“You can measure the quality of a community by the way in which we take care of those in need,” said Carla Cicero, Numerica’s president and CEO. “Support from our loyal members has helped to build a strong foundation, inspiring Numerica to give back a portion of our earnings to causes that lend a helping hand, create leaders, and celebrate our community.”

We often overlook “share” in budget conversations. But when you help others, you make our community stronger.

How to budget to share

Understanding where you spend your money is the first step to creating a budget. Numerica has a free budget workbook that walks you through the steps.

When it comes to tracking the money you share, make sure to take credit for what you’re already doing. Do you buy popcorn from the kids who come door to door or give money at church? These are examples of giving back. You may already be supporting our community — so make it count in your budget!

Once you have money set aside to give, think about the causes close to your heart. Do you want to lend a helping hand, create leaders, or celebrate community? Find something you connect with, and give it your support.

Ways to give back even if you’re broke

If you’re not able to give money, volunteering is a great way to give back to your community.

Here are some other ways you could give on a tight budget:

• Clean out your closet
• Check your pantry
• Give blood
• Become a mentor
• Use a skill to help another (cooking, carpentry, shoveling snow)

Make giving a consistent practice

The key to make giving a part of your financial well-being is to do it regularly. Nonprofits rely on consistent support. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but a monthly pledge of time or money allows them to plan, too. Plus, you know you’re doing good in your ’hood every month without having to remember to send a check.

Every time you support a local charity, you make our community stronger. And don’t be surprised if you feel a little stronger, too.