Productive Relaxation, Recent Inspiration

It was so nice to have a three-day weekend soon after the holidays. The extra free time quickly got filled up and I tried my best to be productive while taking time to hang out with friends. After all, I am happiest when my free time matches up with my loved ones'. Luckily winter here is pretty mild so being outside and getting around the city is still pleasant. Yoga and a short hike, both with friends, made physical activity even more fun... though probably did not fully make up for the good food I had this weekend. :)

Recent jaunts around San Francisco:

• getting a post-holiday facial at Credo, an organic beauty boutique/spa that opened in the city last year (thanks to a former Sephora exec). I've been here a few times in the last year and every time has been so relaxing and good for my skin. For anyone interested in cleaning up their beauty routine, check out their site!

Tata Harper Spa at Credo

• catching the views from Twin Peaks... slightly cloudy on the day my friends and I went, but you could still make out the bay, the ocean, and the bridges and see how gorgeous the city is:

view from Twin Peaks

• picking a wonderful charity to benefit from a happy hour organized by a friend:

the samfund

And lately I've been reading...

• different perspectives on the recent (kinda scary) activity in the markets: by Schwab and by NYMag
• a millennial's take on getting a financial advisor 
• after watching the movie Joy last month, a friend recommended this article on selling on the QVC network 

What I Gave in 2014: Charities

This post could also be named, Trying to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

I looked back at my charitable giving this year and here is what my wallet supported:


Social Justice:

• Southern Poverty Law Center: The tragedies around Michael Brown and Eric Garner made me want to support an organization that is fostering tolerance and understanding. 

Health:

• The SAMFund - I was introduced to this organization at work. They are the only charity in the country that gives direct support to young adult cancer survivors. They are pretty small (~$200K in annual grants) but growing and after meeting several survivors who received SAMFund grants, it's really evident how much impact this organization has. 
• ALS Association - Yup, did this through the Ice Bucket Challenge, but learned more about ALS along the way.

Friends' Fundraisers:

• (health) A cancer-research fundraiser brought on by the death of a friend-of-a-friend a couple years ago. When twentysomething who was beautiful inside and out dies from a senseless disease, and when her friends honor her memory by raising money for research, you give.
• (health) AIDS/Lifecycle - A friend took on this cycling challenge that supports California AIDS/HIV organizations. Seeing them go through the months-long training to raise awareness for the cause was inspiring.
• (aid) Oxfam - Another friend was part of a 100km relay walk to support international development

Schools:

• Both my undergrad and graduate schools keep calling me, and I won't stop giving them, but I'll probably give minimally from now on.

I'm using this list to consider what I'll give to next year and how to be more strategic about it, including how to fit giving in with my other financial goals of paying off my loans and saving money for 'the future'.