Does Charity Begin at Home or Abroad?
Is better to support those in need in the U.S. or focus on those in the poorest nations?
Each of you has a good point, and I commend both of you for your thoughtfulness. Too few Americans give generously -- say, 10% or more of their annual income -- to charities either domestic or foreign. I hope that you and your friend can persuade each other to broaden your giving profiles.
You should select some charities that share America's good fortune with the very poor of the world in a cost-effective way. And she can easily find some U.S. charities that focus on critical needs in our own nation -- say, improving public education in depressed urban and rural areas.
How important is the bottom line?
I'm under pressure from my boss to replace a longtime supplier whose prices are substantially higher than another's. Our current supplier is known to pay better wages and benefits than other firms in its field. What's the ethical approach here?
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
It would be shabby to replace a longtime vendor without plenty of notice and a chance to improve its pricing. And the final decision should consider not just price but also quality, service, and the supplier's reputation for integrity and good employee relations. If your current supplier can meet you halfway on the other firm's price, I would hope your boss would see the benefit of honoring this long relationship.
Have a money-and-ethics question you'd like answered in this column? write to Editor in Chief Knight Kiplinger at ethics@kiplinger.com.
Walk Out On Your Mortgage? | |
Row 1 - Cell 0 | Should a Rich Kid Accept a College Scholarship? |
Row 2 - Cell 0 | Failed CEOs Should Take Their Lumps |
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Knight came to Kiplinger in 1983, after 13 years in daily newspaper journalism, the last six as Washington bureau chief of the Ottaway Newspapers division of Dow Jones. A frequent speaker before business audiences, he has appeared on NPR, CNN, Fox and CNBC, among other networks. Knight contributes to the weekly Kiplinger Letter.
-
Ford Recalls More Than 90,000 Vehicles. Is Your Truck or SUV on the List?
Ford recalls some Bronco, F-150, Explorer, Edge, Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Aviator vehicles due to faulty engine intake valves
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks End Mixed Ahead of August Jobs Report
The main indexes struggled for direction Thursday after data showed the labor market continued to cool.
By Karee Venema Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024: Good News for Teachers
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Need
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day 2024 runs Tuesday July 16 and Wednesday July 17, marking the 10th Prime Day event.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
By Daniel Bortz Last updated