Broke is the New Black

I recently heard the phrase “broke is the new black.” Let’s face it, we are still in the midst of tough times. I am optimistic that we will overcome these economic times as we have in the past, but cannot predict when. However, there are some people who have always lived in trying times due to circumstances beyond their control. While we may say we are “broke” and we must cut back our spending on clothes, leisure activities, luxuries, etc., there is something we should not cut back on, and that’s our giving to those who have been in dire need long before the economy tanked.

You may say you just don’t have the money to give to your favorite charity right now, but there are things you can do to help others that don’t cost you a dime. Several weeks ago I wrote a blog about how to update your wardrobe with little to no money. One of the suggestions involved going through your closet to create new outfits out of what you already own. If you did that, you may have found some items that no longer worked with anything because they no longer fit you. That doesn’t mean those items may not fit someone else. I encourage you to take the time to go through your closest again and take the items you know you will no longer wear and make a clothing donation. You can donate your clothing and shoes to a variety of charities such as Goodwill Industries, Soles4Souls, Dressed for Success, and other local charities I have listed on my web site. Giving is something that never goes out of style!