Unhealthy Giving & Healthy Giving Differ in a Few Key Ways

It’s normal and natural to want to show our support to those we love. One common way we help people close to us, who are in need, is by providing financial assistance. It’s crucial, prior to offering funds to others, to understand when what’s intended to be helpful becomes harmful, when healthy giving becomes unhealthy giving.

Healthy Giving

Money offered to friends or family, whether gifted or lent, is more beneficial when it:

Is Strategic

Make sure you are aware of the breadth of the challenges the person is facing and that what you are offering could have an impact on the outcome. Carefully choose the amount and timing.

Creates Opportunities

Use giving to help someone become more self-reliant and self-sufficient. One of the best gifts you can give someone in need is the tools and abilities to avoid similar situations in the future.

Is Resource Full

Consider using your money to offer them an opportunity to improve by buying books, courses, programs, workshops, or admission to a conference. Help that person invest in those things that will lead to long-term growth and progress.

Comes as a Package Deal

In addition to financial assistance, healthy giving acknowledges the importance of emotional support and guidance. It involves actively listening, offering mentorship, and providing resources that promote confidence and personal development.

Holds the Recipient Accountable

Healthy giving encourages responsibility. There should be clear communication about the terms of financial support. Come to an agreement about any expectations for the use or return of the funds before any money changes hands.

Unhealthy Giving

Money offered to loved ones, whether gifted or lent, is more harmful when it:

Breaks the Bank

Giving becomes unhealthy when someone is generous with others at their own expense. Just as it’s important to put the oxygen mask on oneself first, it’s important not to overextend yourself in an effort to help someone else.

Isn’t Received Well Or Offered Freely

When a person receives a gift or loan, they should express genuine gratitude. Lack of appreciation is a warning sign. If giving becomes expected, it has become too frequent. When there’s pressure to give, the relationship dynamic is destructive. This also demonstrates that any funds received previously failed to alleviate the source of financial instability.

Stunts Development

Unhealthy giving hinders the recipient in a few crucial ways. That person may, because of the assistance received, fail to learn or grow. Over time, financial enabling can create dependence.

Supports Concerning Behavior

Healthy giving funds sound personal and financial decisions. Money gifted or lent to others should not finance self-destructive behavior, such as gambling or substance abuse.

Give to Educate & Empower

To ensure that giving is uplifting, rather than a financial crutch, look at it as an opportunity to forge a partnership. Discuss potential uses for the money and explore ways to improve the receiver’s broader situation. look for ways to increase their financial literacy that will, ultimately, lead to greater economic stability. Provide non-financial support alongside, or in place of, lending or gifting money.

Understanding and recognizing where healthy and unhealthy giving diverge is essential if we truly hope to make a difference in the lives of our loved ones.

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