If you live in your average American community, it is easy to miss seeing the struggles of others in areas where money and resources are scarce. In poor countries, and even right here at home, a few dollars can have a tremendous impact on the lives of the needy.

Looking at money from this perspective allows you to better manage your finances and apply Christian principles to your budgeting.

How much can a few dollars do?

To help put things in perspective, we found a few Christian charities that provide examples of how a small donation can make a big difference in the lives of recipients. A different outlook can show you the real value of money.

$10- The cost of two specialty coffees

Give a homeless child a full day of meals.- Covenant House

$13- A trip through the drive through

Help support a child in poverty for an entire week.- Compassion

$16- The price of an average t-shirt

Provide a hygiene kit to a needy individual.- World Vision

$20- Going to the theater for a date

 Provide two mosquito bed nets and help prevent disease in poverty stricken areas.- Compassion

$35– “That cool new Chomecast thing”

Provide bedding for homeless children and teens.- Covenant House



$54- The monthly gym membership you aren’t using

Feed a family in America for three days. World Vision

$67- The cost of a new video game

Buy a share of a bakery cart in Bolivia, which helps those in need start a business and build a livelihood.- ChildFund International

$137- The expense of a single day at a theme park

 Help impoverished mothers get small business loans. ChildFund International

Using Our Blessings

When we take the time to plan our finances, we can reduce impulse purchases that not only save money, but also give to charity. I know that much of the money I spend would be put to much better use elsewhere.

Somewhere along the line we got our priorities mixed up. We make unnecessary purchases without though or consequence. For someone struggling to acquire food and shelter, small amounts of money make a big difference.

Whether the funds go to hungry children or homeless teens, every dollar counts. Keeping the real value of money in perspective shows just how better off we would be putting that money elsewhere.