More on Tithing

Avatar for travinski
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2004
More on Tithing
7
Fri, 02-18-2005 - 4:33pm
Okay you guys, seriously, I am not some religious fanatic but I honestly and truly believe that in order to receive, you first must give. I made a decision a short while ago that I would continue contributing to my extremely worthy charities because there are people far worse off than me and just yesterday I found out we got a $3,000 raise this year and I'll be getting a retroactive cheque in March which will go directly onto my debt. I don't think it's magic and I don't give to charity so I can get something but in the past, it seems that if I don't give, I never really ""get" either - and this is from a gal who doesn't even go to Church. I know even Suzie Ormond includes giving to charity in her debt repair program so there's something to it and again, I do not give so I can receive but once in a while, things come along with make the road a bit easier.

Travi

 

Avatar for travinski
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2004
In reply to: travinski
Fri, 02-18-2005 - 4:35pm
Oh yes, I almost forgot! My credit card company which charges 19.9% of my balance called and said I could amalgamate my debt on the credit card for 5.5% for as long as there is a debt. I was ecstatic. I feel so grateful for this board, for not feeling alone and having some hope for brighter days ahead. All of you provide that for me and thank you.

Travi

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-21-2004
In reply to: travinski
Fri, 02-18-2005 - 4:50pm
What made them decide to call and tell you that they would lower your interest rate? I have been writing to MBNA about lowering my interest rate and I don't seem to get anywhere. I had 12.99% on one card and got a letter saying it was going to 19.99% so I sent a letter by certified mail telling them I wouldn't use the card again. Well I didn't for 6 months but then in January I had to use it - I knew what the agreement was so I sent a letter asking them not to raise it - they sent me a letter back and said no. I have sent them another letter asking them the same thing. But I checked on-line today and see that they did change the rate to 19.99%. I am just sick - because we have two MBNA cards and I am praying that they don't raise the other one to 19.99% right now it is 14.99%. There is no way we will ever get them paid off at this rate. And we can't afford to pay more than the minimum.
Avatar for travinski
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2004
In reply to: travinski
Fri, 02-18-2005 - 4:56pm
I have no idea why they phoned me but I don't know if you live in the U.S. or Canada. This sounds like a special promotion of some kind. Now, if I were you, why don't you look for some of them really low interest rate credit cards and transfer the balance and then when the six months are up, transfer it again? Also, call MBNA and tell then you heard about this promotion and see what they say. I'd be interested in knowing.

Travi

 

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: travinski
Fri, 02-18-2005 - 8:01pm

It is so nice when it works out that way isn't it!!


I know it has happened to us on occassion (and I don't give to get anything either!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: travinski
Sat, 02-19-2005 - 4:14pm
Its funny you should start your post with a disclaimer that you are not a religious fanatic. We do not donate to charity because of religion, but because it feels good. For me, charity takes the emphasis of my own life and problems, gives perspective and makes me happy that I could do something for someone else -- without expecting anything in return. But in reality, I think we do get something very real from charitible contribution -- a better outlook on life. I can still remember how good it felt to drop my coins in the ASPCA collection cans when I was a child. And when you feel good about yourself or something you have done, everything just seems to go so much better. Of course the converse is also true. Ever notice how one bad incident can turn into a bad day or week?
So congratultions on your raise and good fortune!
Sandra
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
In reply to: travinski
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 6:34pm
I just wanted to add here in case other people read this and want to give but really can't afford it, it doesn't have to be monetary. I give clothes and toys and whatever else is still useable and in good shape. I can't physically provide money but I can help out with other stuff. Speaking of which, I need to make a trip this week cause I got quite a bit of stuff to give.
Avatar for travinski
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2004
In reply to: travinski
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 8:20pm
I am going to look into why Suzie Ormond thinks you should budget for charity also. It's like a universal reciprocity principle. And I mentioned not being a religious fanatic because most religious fanatics are very firm and committed to tithing but they tithe to the church. Now, I don't think God is going to make me rich because I give to charities. That would just be silly but still - and I'm sorry but I must persist with this belief - if you give, you will often times get by and not even know how. Okay, enough said (by me) on this issue.

Travi