The Season of Giving: How We Will Give Back This Year
- UpdatedSep 30, 2024
- The holidays are traditional times for giving.
- For many, giving means making contributions to charity.
- Other ways of giving include volunteering and just cheering people up.
The winter holidays usher in a time for family, fun, and giving of all kinds. The season of giving usually kicks off around “Giving Tuesday” in November, and continues throughout the December holidays. With all the challenges and hardships of 2020, this might be a difficult year for many to give to charity the way they usually do. So we decided to ask our team, how will you contribute during the season of giving in 2020?
The FreedomDebt Relief team had some wonderful ideas to share, and some creative ways to give back, even if we are a bit more stretched financially than usual. We also included links to some of our favorite charities, so please keep reading for more thoughts on what giving means this year.
We start by giving time and money to charities that mean the most to us
Food Insecurity for Americans is at an all-time high. I have been donating to The Farmlink Project and reaching out to our own family members. Love and help begins at home. – Henri Dawes, Sr. Director, Learning an Development
I will be giving back by volunteering with and donating to Rescue a Golden of Arizona. As the former President, this charity is close to my heart. I have intimate knowledge and understanding of why it is so important to help animals, after all, they can’t help themselves. – Heather Marcom, Sr. Director, Talent Acquisition
I feel very blessed that I am in a position to help others. I am going to make a donation to the Valley of the Sun United Way. My donation will be doubled by Freedom, making an even greater impact. – Loretta O’Donnell, Sr. Recruiter
This year I will be financially supporting the World Central Kitchen which provides over 250,000 fresh meals each day to those without consistent access to food. If you happen to be tight on money this year, but still want to help your community, consider donating anything you no longer need like kitchen items, books, clothes, or furniture. – Jordan Figueroa, Client Services Coach
But giving to others doesn’t have to cost a thing
Share a smile! They are free, yet priceless. – Leonetha Ward, Client Advocate
Call a friend or family member to tell them you were thinking of them and why you are grateful for them! During such a busy season, sometimes the most valuable gift you can give is your time. – Lauren Moore, Client Services Supervisor
In these trying times, I’ll be writing personalized Christmas cards to my friends and family to show that I’m thinking of them. Remember how precious time is and to always care for those around you. – Andrew Liam, Recruiter
During these tough times, reach out to those friends and family that do not have anyone who lives close to them. You can contact loved ones on Zoom or FaceTime so you can see and talk to each other. Even though we cannot spend time together in the same place, it is still so important to help people feel a sense of togetherness. – Danielle Sharpley-Willis, Supervisor, Client Experience
How are you giving back?
Are you fortunate enough to be able to give your money or your time to those in need? Celebrating the season of giving is even more rewarding and fun if you are able to spread warmth and cheer to those who need it even a little more than you do. From the Freedom Family to yours, may your holidays be merry, bright and safe, this year.
Watch our team talk about how they will give back right here.
Learn More:
Stay Debt Free this Holiday Season (Freedom Debt Relief)
Ways to Give to Charity (Charity Navigator)
13 Ways to Give to Charity Without Breaking Your Budget (USAToday)
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
A look into the world of debt relief seekers
We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during August 2024. This data highlights the wide range of individuals turning to debt relief.
Credit card balances by age group for those seeking debt relief
How do credit card balances vary across different age groups? In August 2024, people seeking debt relief showed the following trends in their open credit card tradelines and average credit card balances:
Ages 18-25: Average balance of $9,300 with a monthly payment of $265
Ages 26-35: Average balance of $12,920 with a monthly payment of $356
Ages 36-50: Average balance of $16,196 with a monthly payment of $453
Ages 51-65: Average balance of $16,345 with a monthly payment of $475
Ages 65+: Average balance of $16,757 with a monthly payment of $446
These figures show that credit card debt can affect anyone, regardless of age. Managing credit card debt can be challenging, whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement.
Collection accounts balances – average debt by selected states.
Collection debt is one example of consumers struggling to pay their bills. According to 2023, data from the Urban Institute, 26% of people had a debt in collection.
In August 2024, 28% of debt relief seekers had a collection balance. The average amount of open collection account debt was $3,092.
Here is a quick look at the top five states by average collection debt balance.
| State | % with collection balance | Avg. collection balance |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 29 | $5,116 |
| Utah | 23 | $4,223 |
| Montana | 31 | $4,194 |
| Maine | 30 | $4,141 |
| Deleware | 28 | $3,911 |
The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a collection account balance over $0.
If you’re facing similar challenges, remember you’re not alone. Seeking help is a good first step to managing your debt.
Support for a Brighter Future
No matter your age, FICO score, or debt level, seeking debt relief can provide the support you need. Take control of your financial future by taking the first step today.
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