People with large families understand the importance of working together for financial goals like paying for a college education, purchasing a first home, or buying a new car. It’s quite common, in fact, for parents or older siblings to serve as cosigners on a relative’s college loan application. Even those who aren’t part of extended family networks realize that life can be tough for those going it alone.
That’s why so many financially able adults choose to improve the lives of others with random acts of kindness. What do they do besides assist with education loans? Some purchase reliable used vehicles or new ones for individuals who need transportation to work. Others offer to pay for job-related expenses like special training, interview clothing, or resume writing fees. Here are some suggestions for changing lives with random acts of kindness, because kindness matters.
Changing Lives with Random Acts of Kindness
Cosigning on Someone’s College Loan Application
Have a son or daughter, or grandchild, heading off to college in the fall? If you’re in the financial position to do so, you can give prospective pupils a major boost by being a cosigner on their college loan application. However, before taking this major step, be sure you are aware of all the ins and outs of the process and the ways it can potentially affect your credit score. Additionally, cosigners might find their future borrowing potentially limited if they commit to a large education loan for the benefit of a student. Becoming a cosigner is not something you should step into lightly, as it can have long-term impacts on your credit, especially if your child or grandchild defaults on their loans. The most beneficial way to gather the pertinent facts is by reviewing a comprehensive guide that walks through the details about becoming a cosigner.
Buying a Used Car for a Needy Individual
For a few thousand dollars, it’s entirely possible to transform a job seeker’s prospects for finding a worthwhile position. That amount of money can still buy a decent used vehicle that they can use to hunt for work, attend interviews, and work part-time while awaiting a full-time posting. Consider buying the car in your name and then transferring the title to the recipient. In most US states, that’s the simplest way to give a car to another adult. If this is a route you choose, be sure to check any tax rules for doing so.
Paying for Job Training and Resume Services
Anyone who has ever tackled the challenge of an extended job search knows that there are dozens of expenses involved with the quest. Besides charges for resume writing and job training classes, there are costs associated with obtaining appropriate clothing for interviews, transportation, and more. When you extend a financial helping hand to a job seeker who needs a modest amount of cash, you’re performing a much-appreciated act of kindness. When possible, pay directly for resume and educational services.
Tutoring Low-Income Adult Learners
Financially strapped adults who need basic tutoring in subjects like English, mathematics, and reading turn to social service agencies for assistance. However, those organizations typically rely on volunteers to supply the requisite talent. That’s where your urge to be a game-changer comes into play. Contact a local library or homeless shelter and ask if there’s a need for tutoring. Then, be ready to sign up for a few weekly sessions in which you can teach English to recent immigrants, work with adults who are struggling with earning a high school diploma or assist a married couple who needs to file a standard tax return.
Gas and Food
If you’re like me, you may not be in the financial position to cosign a loan for someone else’s education or buy them a used vehicle. Giving someone a hand up doesn’t have to put a dent in your own financial health. Something as simple as a gas gift card or having groceries delivered can make a real impact. You can even keep “blessing bags” or “blessing bottles” in your vehicle to give to the unhoused when you come across them. You can snag a free printable Blessing Bag checklist and verse list from Confessions of a Homeschool Mom to make your own blessing bags!
Give to a Worthy Charity
Many people are uncomfortable with giving directly to others, as they fear being taken advantage of or being manipulated. Donating money or food to a worthy charity, like non-profit transitional housing, community food pantry, or local food bank is another great way to make a difference in the lives of others.
Volunteer
Perhaps you want to make a difference and don’t have anything but time. You can volunteer with at-risk youth through tutoring or even volunteer from home for various organizations.
Whether you only have time to spare or have $10 to help someone, or $10,000, random acts of kindness can make a real difference in someone’s life.
