STORM OF EMOTIONS

In the 1980's I created the topic of "kids and money" and in the following years I have
written 26 books and founded the Children's Financial Network to promote financial
literacy. Along with teaching families to become money savvy, I have also, always,
stressed the importance of sharing and giving of one's self in order to be "Citizens of the
Community."

In a time of crisis, such as the devastating after-effects of hurricane Sandy, we are
reminded of the inherent good of the American people. So many have been directly
effected by losing their homes or their livelihood or even a loved one. The rest of us
who have been fortunate enough to escape unharmed or perhaps inconvenienced,
have, once again, seen compassion in action. This is also a time of introspection.

All around us we see our first responders risking their lives to help strangers in crisis.
Neighbors are helping neighbors. Government agencies begin to assess damages and
to offer assistance to those that have been displaced. Charitable organizations step up
to the task of offering aid. Citizens rush to donate to those charities. Even politicians
put their differences aside in order to get work done.

I am one of the fortunate who has only been inconvenienced with the loss of utilities. As
the storm began to move into my neighborhood, I found myself alone in the dark -
listening to the rain pour down and the trees brush against my home. I was afraid for
my safety and my property, but my overwhelming concern was for my family - my kids
and my grandkids - and for everyone else being touched by this storm.

I was able to get to a friend's home for comfort and safety. Eventually, I was able to
contact my family and was assured that everyone was OK.

So many others were less fortunate. Just in my community, one family was left
homeless after a fire destroyed their home. In another tragedy, a couple was killed
when a tree fell on their car - leaving behind two young children who were also in the
car.

I am an advocate of teaching our kids about budgeting their allowance, and as part of
that education I teach that a portion of the weekly allowance be set aside for charity.
This week I proudly watched my friend's son, who upon learning of the neighborhood
tragedies, rushed to get his container filled with the charity money from his allowance.
Before I understood where he had disappeared to, I heard - "Mom, we have to take my
charity money and give it to that family whose house burned down." He followed up
with, "Where are they going to live? We have to help them."

I know that charitable giving will always be a part of this young man's life. The lessons
and habits we learn when we are young shape who we become as adults. Teach your
children to be givers - also teach by example. Remember that giving can be more than
donating money, you can also donate your time, clothing and even household items. Be
sure to get your family involved.

That generous young man is right - "We have to help." We should all do what we can to
help our neighbors. We can make a real difference.