Inspirational life coach Tony Robbins says that the secret to living is giving.
He believes that people have six essential human needs, with the last one being the basic human need of contribution.
Basically if you are not contributing to others above and beyond yourself you can never truly be happy.
It is not a want, it is actually a need.
So this brings me to a vital element of my money management system… and that is the give account.
The Give Account
For your money management system to be successful, I believe it has to be holistic in nature.
So as well as having separate accounts for financial freedom, long-term savings and spending, education, necessities and play, you should also have another account for giving.
I have another separate account where I transfer money into each Month, that I use for giving to worthwhile causes that I believe in.
In particular, I give monthly to a World vision child…a little girl called Fiona. Because as a Father of four Daughters growing up in a wonderful country with every advantage, this is something very close to my heart.
Ideally you would transfer 5-10% of your income monthly to causes that you believe in.
You can donate on a monthly basis, but I also know of people that build up the amount and give it all in one lump sum… whatever feels right to you.
Some examples that may resonate with you could be cancer research, the homeless, third-world poverty or other medical research.
Wealth is More Than Money
One of my mentors says that it is not so much that the goal is the money or to be rich, but it is the PERSON that you have to become that is CAPABLE of creating the money that is the goal.
Financial freedom is certainly a worthy goal to have and it is definitely one of mine, but it is what the money can do for you and for those around you that is what really matters.
The more money that you make, the more good you can do with it!
And giving back and contribution to something greater than yourself is what makes life more meaningful.
Quoting Tony Robbins again: “It may take time to become rich, but you can CHOOSE to be wealthy TODAY!”
To your success,
John W. Newman
Dream It, Believe It, Then Achieve It!
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Hi John,
Very inspirational post, I know that when I work as an Occupational Therapist, I find myself more happy. It’s nice to help others and it does give us a better perspective, appreciation, and value in our lives.
Tony’s got it right, the secret to living a happy life is by giving of yourself.
Great reminder and lesson to live each and every day.
Thanks,
Todd
Thanks for your comment Todd!
I am glad that you found it inspiring!
Creating financial freedom is a worthy goal to have, after all the more you have the more you can give.
But in the end, all that matters is what we give back!
Hi, John
I just love Tony Robbins and I do wholeheartedly agree that giving is what it’s all about because I believe that we are put on this Earth to give people our gifts, whatever they are!
There are 2 types of people: The TAKERS who eat better and the GIVERS who sleep better! I know which category I would rather be in 😉
I found your post very insightful and inspirational, and encourages people to work towards wealth so they can accomplish their goals.
Cheers. Neil
Tony Robbins is the best isn’t he Neil?
Really glad you liked my post, thanks for your continued support!
This article resonates with one of my thoughts lately.
A colleague of mine recently loss her home from the earthquake in Nepal. Until today, her family are still living in tents and surviving on humanitarian aids. Due to the limits of electricity, she has only spoken to her parents twice on the phone since the disaster struck.
When things are more settled, I plan to donate some money to her family so that they can rebuild their home. The NGOs are great, but I really want to see my money helping out someone that I know.
Thanks Cathy, glad you liked it 🙂
I don’t necessarily agree with giving just for givings sake.
It boils down to what really resonates with you and what you believe in so you can give to something close to your heart!
Thanks for your comment 🙂
Hi John, good post, inspiring and honest and thought provoking. Almost everyone on here ( if not all ) is probably here for the same reason, to make money and I truly hope that most, if not all, do just that, but it would also be good for everyone to follow the lead of your post and give a little back as it can make a lot of difference. Paul
Thanks for the comment Paul!
Giving back can change the life of other people and has a ripple effect of good karma 🙂
John, what a great post!
You’re so right when you say that wealth is more than money. The feeling of ‘giving’, whether it’s of monetary value or not, is one of the most wonderful feelings you can have.
Some of my time involves caring for elderly folks, who really appreciate the time given to them – and I get so much from it too.
Again, a first-class article.
Rob
Totally agree Rob!
Glad to hear that you are also giving back!
Thanks for the comment and kind words 🙂
Hi
I am a big fan of Tony Robbins, I listen to his seminars on my headphones while walking my dogs, he started out by making 1 Christmas meal for a family to give back the help his family received when they had nothing, now he has a massive charity feeding thousands of families every year.
When you give you have to feel good about it and you will receive double what you give, but the key is you must feel pleasure in giving!
Really enjoyable read.
Yes I love Tony Robbins too Paula, I am always quoting him.
A truly inspirational person that lives the life of his dreams!
Thanks for your comment:-)
Dear John,
I agree, The Secret To Living Is Giving. Just like sharing is caring. ^_^
I can honestly tell that you want to see others thriving with financial freedom too.
You kept this Article easy to understand, simple, and right to the point. Thank you for that. 🙂
I liked the ending quote you had: Dream It, Believe It, Then Achieve It!
~Angel
Totally agree Angel!
I am glad that you liked my post, thanks for the feedback! 🙂