Reward Yourself – and Others – by Volunteering

It's terrific to receive money for a job well done, but it can be even more satisfying to earn gratitude and respect by volunteering your time and experience to a worthy cause. Seniors who have cultivated their skills and wisdom through the years are in high demand as volunteers. In light of the current economic crunch and employment outlook, now may be the perfect time to explore ways to help others.

Look Inward, Then Outward
The first step in becoming a volunteer is to determine your interests and talents and then decide how they could be used effectively within your community. Do you love to read and write? Consider volunteering as an academic tutor or inquiring if your local library needs help shelving books or organizing book clubs. Many organizations – hospitals, humane societies, churches, schools, etc. – rely on volunteers for their expertise and friendly and helpful attitudes.

Before donating your time, ask yourself the following questions:

What do I hope to gain from volunteering?
How much time am I willing to commit?
What can I bring to an organization?
What issues/causes do I feel most passionately about?

Give What You Can
No one should feel pressured to volunteer or feel the need to compete with others for recognition. Instead, approach volunteer work as a reflection of yourself and focus on the ways you're making a difference. Dedicate as much time as you're comfortable with – for some this may be two hours a week, for others 20. For help finding volunteer opportunities designed for seniors, contact your local city hall or visit www.volunteermatch.org.*

* Web site is for information only. No endorsement is implied.

« Previous

eMoneyMatters Home

eMoneyMatters is published by the Marketing Department at Wings Financial Federal Credit Union for its members. It is designed to help maintain communication with members and provide reliable and helpful information that will contribute to each member's overall financial well-being. eMoneyMatters is published at Wings Financial Federal Credit Union, 14985 Glazier Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124, (952) 997-8000. While consistent effort is made to ensure the integrity of information contained in this publication, material should not be considered legal, financial or professional advice. The publishers do not assume liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this data. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Jupiterimages, ©Getty Images, ©iStock, ©SnapVillage. Copyright ©2009 Wings Financial Federal Credit Union. All rights reserved.