Many people make charitable gifts at the end of the year, whether to a local food bank, a place of worship or a national cause. Giving can be meaningful on its own, and in some cases it may also have tax benefits, depending on how you file and the type of gift.

Before donating, confirm the organization is a registered charity and look into how it uses its funds. Be cautious with unexpected calls, texts or emails asking for donations, especially after major news events, since scammers often pose as charities. Giving directly through an organization's own website is generally safer.

Keep receipts or written acknowledgments for every gift, including donated clothing and household items. Whether you can deduct donations depends on your overall tax situation, so ask a tax professional if you're unsure. Even if there's no tax benefit for you, setting a giving budget can help you support what matters without straining your finances.