subject: Used Car Donations Effects Those In Need [print this page] Despite our current money problems, we can't lose sight of those in America that need assistance. While there are so many of us researching ways to downsize and decrease spending.
While being completely focused on our own unique situations, we tend to overlook the value of doing a great deed. This kind of
selfishness sometimes leads to futher struggles on our own part.
The whole time we're worried about what's missing in our lives, we dismiss those with even less in there lives. You could find yourself turning things around faster, by not going down that road.
One things for sure, focusing on the debt that you do have will not
get that debt paid any sooner. I can promise you worring want help, that bill will still have the same due date, no matter how much you thing about it. You must know that rent is still due on the first, no matter how many days you spent thinking about not having it. We can not prolong the due date of that bill, regardless of how much we think about it. What if, we focused on doing a good deed instead; For instance, washing and bagging
up a bunch of clothes that we'll never going to use again. Now you're still going to get paid at the exact same day and time that you always
do, but I have a intuitive suspicion that the week will seem to
go by alot speedier in your mind then if you spent all week worrying.
Not long ago I was able to get that feeling, plus another one because of a vehicle donation. After months
of squawking about how much it was costing me to maintain my truckto work during the month. I decided that; not only was not going to think about it at all, but I was also going to do some research about donating my that old SUV of mine that hadn't moved in a few years.
So I spent the first 2 days web surfing (mainly because it
was my first time making a charity car donation and had recently read
about some scams online). I settled in on a car donation program that helped domestic abuse families, special needs children, and inner-city youth. I ran through a check list of things to check for. I'll share a brief summary of them here.
1. Is this a legitimate charity.
a. check to make sure they are licensed to recieve a charitable car doantion and listed as having a 501 (c) (3) status
b. check with your state attorney general to make sure they're on the books.
c. How long have they been in existance. (the longer the better, scams are usually short lived).
2. Donate directly to the car donation charity. This makes sure some middle-man isn't cutting into your donation.
3. Cover yourself legally by knowing the tax write-off rules.
a. If your car is valued less than $500 dollars you can claim upto $500
b. If your vehicle is valued at more and goes to auction, you can claim the exact amount that it's sold at auction. (the charity should provide you
with the appropiate reciept from the auction)
After all was said and done, I made my junk car donation, they came and towed it for free the next day. I got all the proper tax information, and to my surprise I recieved a $1000
gift voucher supermarkets and Top restaurants. I was so pleased that I completed forgot about how much gas was costing mainly because I was able to load up on groceries. That's why I recommend people atleast think about car donation.
