Donating to charity. Why or why not?

I personally do not donate to charity. This is because most charitable organizations take a cut of donations, so less actually goes to the beneficiaries. However, when I achieve financial independence, I hope to one day sponsor an underprivilledged kid to give him a better education, and a better chance at success. This way, I can be sure that all my money goes to helping the benificiary.

I would donate if I could spare some cash. But this depends on my circumstances. After all, if I cannot take care of myself first, then how can I help others?

Donations comes from the heart, I don't think it should be really quantified. If you can, give more; if you can't, take them.

I support donations, have a heart to give, more or less doesn't matter.

Personally I prefer to also check where do the funds go into, so that I know the donations are spent well within my expectations - that way I suppose you may feel more at ease.

Also practically speaking, donations can offset taxes, so it may be a good win-win situation.

Why the lack of conviction? What caused you to be so easily swayed by your friend that you'd decrease your donations by such a steep %?

Your choice to do charity should be a personal one. Will that extra ~5-9% a month allow you to make significant progress towards 1-3?

Your friend sounds shallow, and poor. I apologize in advance.