Try This One Tip to Make More Money

Would you like to make more money? Then boy, do I have a tip for you. It may sound funny at first, but trust me: It works. And no, it has nothing to do with crypto. The secret to making more money is … drumroll please … giving your money away. Specifically, you should give away at least 10% of every paycheck, after deducting taxes.

The more you give, the more you get. The more you try to help others, the more help you receive in return.

Before I started my Orthodox conversion process 13 years ago, I don’t recall giving much charity. Perhaps I donated a dollar or two at the cash register of my local grocery store, but giving was not a big part of my life.  As soon as I learned about the Torah teaching of tzedakah, of giving charity, in my conversion classes, I started giving. 

At first, it wasn’t easy. I was only earning about $150 a week back then and living in the very expensive New York City. However, after a while, I started to notice that the more I gave, the more money I earned. I was motivated to keep going. And of course, giving made me feel good, especially when I could give directly to someone who desperately needed it. 

There is a Jewish teaching that you don’t really earn money. It’s important to put in hard work and effort, or hishtadlut, but all of your money comes to you because God decided to send it. He wants to see what you do with it. The more good you do with it, the more He sends. 

With the extra money you don’t give, you can essentially spend it how you please – as long as your spending is in line with Torah values. The money you pay for Jewish school tuition, food for Shabbat or making the holidays special comes back to you as well. You may receive more than you spent in the first place. Even if we only give $5 one week, because that’s all we literally have to give, we need to give that. It can make a huge difference.

 Our purpose here on Earth is not to make a bunch of money and buy fancy cars or live in huge mansions. Those are some of those extra benefits. If we are given fancy cars or huge mansions or other luxuries, we also need to use them to do good, like hosting people for Shabbat meals or classes or singles events.

 Our true purpose here is to make each other’s lives better. Each of us is given a special gift in order to accomplish this mission. If you need help getting started with giving charity, I suggest finding a charity navigator and supporting your favorite causes. You could also see if any friends are struggling and could use some additional help. There are plenty of people who need assistance paying their sky-high medical bills or some money until they can find a job.  

If you need help getting started with giving charity, I suggest finding a charity navigator and supporting your favorite causes. You could also see if any friends are struggling and could use some additional help. 

I donate to nonprofit organizations that support the Jewish community, as well as animal rescue organizations, since I love animals. I also send money to single moms and other people who are having trouble paying for their basic necessities. In my early 20s, I was so broke that I sometimes didn’t know where my next meal was coming from, and I relied on friends to help me through those difficult times. I know how it can be a huge lifesaver.

The next time you get a paycheck, I encourage you to immediately send 10% of it to a good cause. This one small step will brighten someone else’s day, put a smile on your face and ensure you are fulfilling your personal mission to make the world a better place.  

Have an inspiring story about tzedakah? Share it with me! Email: Kylieol@JewishJournal.com. 

Kylie Ora Lobell is the Community Editor of the Jewish Journal.