While I was at the gym today, I flipped through an older copy of People magazine. I came across an article about people who’ve given away large amounts of their personal wealth. In most instances the featured individuals had given away portions of their inheritance or proceeds from selling a business. But a couple of people caught my attention. One couple in California, who earn about $200,000 has committed to living at or below the national median household income. They give away the remainder of their income, after taxes. Another woman has committed to giving away 30-50% of her annual salary.

My gut reactions: clutch my wallet and hide my paycheck. Visions fill my head: of my family dressed in threadbare clothing, eating a lot of beans and giving up our car so we can give our money away. But, seriously, can you imagine the difference it would make in our world if more people decided to forego some extras so that others could have a little bit? Food for thought, anyway.