No One Ever Told Us That: Money and Life Lessons for Young Adults

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

PHILANTHROPY

The rhythms of life should include thoughts of charity or philanthropy. This usually begins early in one's forties. That's when you have marriage, family, and career somewhat put into place and you start to look around. You look at what else might be important to a life that has meaning, including what we leave behind.

As all of you get older, you will be increasingly assaulted by daily mailings from all kinds of institutions asking for your money. Almost all of these causes are worthy and deserve support. But it's impossible to take care of everybody and everything.

This is how the giving part of your life usually takes shape. Some friend of yours will call you and say, “I'm doing a bike ride for breast cancer. My sister died of this and I'd love your support for this incredible cause.” And you're happy to send your friend a check. Or a friend or business associate will call and say, “I just joined the board of our favorite museum. You love art. How about talking to a few of our people to explain how great this place is? They're looking for someone like you to join as well.” This happened to me when a client called me about the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston: “We are the best server of disadvantaged youth in the city, thousands of kids at our clubhouses.” First of all, when clients ask for something, it's likely that you'll respond positively. You scratch my back; I'll scratch yours. This is how the game is played.

Once the philanthropy ...