World Hunger and Poverty

I have already made many posts about taxes on this blog. The most stunning point to me in those posts is that the rich pay less taxes than the working class in terms of percentage of income–at least in the USA.

I didn’t want to make yet another post about taxes on a blog that is supposed to be about poverty, but I read an article this morning that got my blood boiling. In part, the Buffalo News Editorial says:

Congressional Republicans, who seem to have sworn some kind of blood oath to the preposterously unfair Bush tax cuts–regardless of the damage they do to the economy–now want to eliminate the reduction of the payroll tax they helped to enact last year. The reduction in payroll taxes, while it puts additional stress on Social Security, which it funds, is of greatest benefit to the middle class and working poor.

That’s because it’s a “regressive” tax, taking the same percentage of everyone’s pay, regardless of income level. The amount of income subject to the tax is also capped, meaning a portion of the income of higher earners—sometimes a very large portion—goes untaxed.

In other words, these politicians want to keep the regressive tax system we already have but also make it even more regressive! This is done by simultaneously lowering taxes disproportionately for the rich while increasing government spending and disproportionately increasing taxes on the working poor and middle class.

I understand the psychological complications of a two-party pseudo-democratic system that enable politicians from both parties to get away with a lot of selling out the many to the wealthy special interest few, but I am still surprised these politicians who openly try to make a regressive tax system even more regressive are not overtaken and tarred and feathered or some such by a stampede of angry masses fighting not only for what they think is fair but for what is clearly in their own self-interest. Maybe what gets my blood boiling with this issue is not so much the politicians who I personally have been long convinced are all—that includes both parties—special interest bought self serving liars. Rather what really gets my blood boiling about this kind of issue may be that the masses of people who have the real power in terms both of sheer numbers and productive ability just let themselves get so blatantly exploited.

What do you think? Please comment on this post, comment on any other posts about taxation or discuss the relationship between poverty and taxation in this thread about taxation and poverty in the forums.

Since there are hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations seeking your hard-earned money, choosing the ideal recipient for your donation demands research.

However, a little scrutiny can lead to discovering groups that are supporting causes most important to you, and ones that will use your money most effectively.

By following the below tips you will be able to find the right place for you to donate.

Donate to Familiar Groups

Whether it is a local church group or an international body, the safest way to properly donate your money is to give to organizations that you are most familiar with.

That way you will have a confident grasp of their mission and how exactly they will utilize your donation.

Investigate Each Group’s Legitimacy

There is a wealth of resources available to research the validity and history of any charity. Potential donors can view a tally of all registered organizations through the Internal Revenue Service. Meanwhile, local state charities will be listed with the attorney general’s office.

There are also numerous services online that provide evaluations and even rankings of charities and organizations based on their performance.

Donate to Your Interests

Making a donation choice is easier when giving to a charity or non-profit that advocates causes relevant to your active interests. For example, if you love cars you may be happy to see your dollars going to a car charity institution, or if it’s the environment you love, consider donating to the Sierra Club.

Give Your Time First

Acquiring the most information about a particular group can be done first hand by volunteering. Spending time working with a group will provide direct answers to what they actually do and how well they do it. 

Be Certain which Charity You’re Dealing with

The unfortunate reality is that there are many scammers in the world, even in the realm of charitable groups. Dishonest organizations will use nearly identical names of other well-known groups or lie about their missions in an effort to collect donations.

Inquire about Tax-Deductable Donations

Not all gifts are tax-deductible. Generally, only donations given to organizations that are registered charities can be deducted, so ask before handing over that check.

Follow Your Money

The best-run organizations operate with a sense of transparency. Donors and members should have access to annual reports that detail where the group’s funds were allocated and projections of future programs.

Protect Your Money

Like any monetary transaction, personal information such as your credit card number should never be provided via email or over the phone. Avoid donating with cash; instead, try to donate by sending a check directly to the group’s main offices.

Think Small

Large organizations like hospitals and universities have a wealth of funds and resources, which is why they are so good at soliciting for your money. While both give much to their communities, smaller organizations may be struggling just to stay afloat and so are in greater need of your donation.

Donating money to a good cause is easy, but it helps to do a little homework to ensure that your dollars are used to their fullest. So what group do you want most to have your donation?

Jessy is a frugal and family blogger for www.CreditCardFinder.com.au, the free tool to compare credit cards online. Learn about charity credit cards (as well as other types of credit cards) here.