What we are all about…

My grandsons, Joey and Matt, are often a source of inspiration for me and Spend-Save-Share is no exception. Since they were preschoolers (they’re now 10 and 7), I’ve been eager to teach them to make philanthropy part of their lives. I donate to Heifer International in their honor at Christmas, giving them flocks of ducks and chicks and “portions” of a water buffalo that are actually being sent to impoverished countries. As you know, the opportunities to donate are endless and the nonprofit sector wants us to give, give, give.

At the same time, I want Joey and Matt to develop the habit of saving, so that they will feel secure about their futures and their ability to live as they wish. Purchase a car. Go to college. Travel. Buy a house. Retire. Yup, grandparents wants us to save, save, save.

But wait, these are kids. They have wants. Sports equipment. Wii and DS games. Scooters and skateboards. And myriad other items they see on TV or that their friends have. My message isn’t meant to be about deprivation and, let’s face it, the retail community wants us to spend, spend, spend.

Here’s where the inspiration comes in. Why not teach them that they can do it all; spend, save, share, and, in the process, help them toward a future that is strong and happy? On their birthdays, I told them I wanted to give them something special to celebrate their big day and gave Joey and Matt each three $10 bills with visual suggestions of where they might want to spend, save and share. I was nervous about the “share” part, but they “got it” immediately. Joey: Sports equipment to kids in Africa. Matt: Animal rescue. (See note below)

Thrilled by the success of this very small experiment, I decided to start a movement to create a community where grandparents, parents and other relatives and friends help the children they love develop a lifelong habit of taking care of themselves, their future and their world.  Won’t you join us and tell us about your experiences with Spend-Save-Share?

Welcome!

In the spirit of Spend-Save-Share,

Barbara Lewis
Joey and Matt’s Nonnie

Joe and Matt’s charities: Samaritan’s Purse Getting Their Kicks program; Tri-Valley Animal Rescue.

I adopted my best four-legged friend, Daisy, from Tri-Valley Animal Rescue in 2006.