Me...Selfish...What was I Thinking?

I'm crazy to even think that I have a selfish bone in my body! After checking my finances, I can see that my giving heart has got to slow down a bit. Every time I think I feel myself going down, something good happens to pick me right back up.

This is the second time that my job has given me unexpected funds. I got my review yesterday, and found out that I was one of the few people elected to receive variable pay! My boss didn't tell me how much it was, he just said it was a little something given to selected employees for outstanding performance. When my boss handed me the envelope yesterday evening, I smiled, said thank you ,and walked out of his office. I walked around and checked on my employees, said my hellos to my co-workers (things are looking different around the office).

I got to my car and opened the envelope as soon as I got in. Can you say chi-ching! It was sooo much more than I expected. I am setting some of the money aside to do some much needed summer shopping, and the rest of it will be invested. But not in the traditional type of investment...I have enough of those to last a lifetime...I invest in people. I try to help the ones that are close to me when I see they really need it, without them having to ask. If one of my friends are busting their butts at work, and living check to check to pay bills, I give the a little something to go out and do something nice for themselves. This is the reason that I am VERY selective in my circle of friends, and I am quick to cut them off when I feel they are trying to use me!

At first I was going to use the money to give a couple of the girls in my teen group, that are graduating this year, a little something to help with college expenses. I have changed my mind. I will give them something though. I stumbled upon the idea of starting a scholarship fund, through another blog that I frequent, and I will be giving them money through that fund that I established earlier this year. That way I can write it off on my taxes! So it's a win win situation for everyone! But truly, charity starts at home! I have opted to take the money and set up a fund for my cousin with the six kids. The way I see it, she can only milk the child support system for so long. When one of their daddies doesn't pay, I am the one that she calls on. Even if she does get a job, child care alone will take up most of her money. So this way I will have money to give her without hurting my own finances.

Just when I was starting to think I was being selfish, I get the opportunity to help someone else, and prove to myself that I'm not.

Do you have some thing that you want to invest in, if the funds are available?