A journalist sent out a query yesterday asking, in essence, if it were advisable for financial professionals to be involved in community activities. The subtext of the question was whether the possibility of financial gain would “taint” the charitable activities somehow. That thought cried out for an answer from MoneyMinding, because not only is every staff member involved in community activities - we also started a charity!
If you’ve been following MoneyMinding’s growth over the last few years, you should know about the MoneyMinding Foundation, a registered charity which supports financial literacy and empowerment programs both locally and around the world.
The MoneyMinding Foundation helps us to open the doors of financial literacy to people who otherwise could not afford to acquire the information themselves, or have access to the services and information they need to succeed financially. In our training system the giving component of financial planning is not something that is left to the end and discussed as part of an estate plan. It is an integral component of the wealth building process. Having a holistic and inclusive business model that addresses the needs of an entire community is key to our success. A healthy, vibrant organization needs to give back to the community in some form or other – either financially, or through volunteering.
On a personal level, I have also been an active volunteer and contributor to the church and local charitable organizations, and have several sponsored children in developing countries – all of which have been good for me, good for the recipients and good for business.
