It's "Giving Tuesday", a day to kick off the holiday charity events.
And did you know giving is actually good for your health? Experts in Cleveland say studies show that giving boosts your physical and mental health. Participants in the study reported lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less depression, and lower levels of stress.
Giving releases endorphins that researchers call the "Helpers High".
But as your giving beware of the grinches just waiting to scam you of your giving heart.
The Identity Theft Resource Center warns givers to watch for charitable events with similar names. Just because people take donations doesn't mean their legitimate. Make sure you're not taken in by door-to-door requests for donations, unsolicited phone calls, or emails that get sent out and shared. Ask the person to provide documentation of the charity's nonprofit status, if they can't, turn away.
Don't limit your donations to the holidays.
If you give throughout the year, you'll be less likely to fall to the pressure of giving during the holidays.
You can also check out charities with the Better Business Bureau. Just go to http://www.give.org and put the charity's name in the search line.
One legitimate charity that will help you feel great; Operation Santa Claus.
