Cooking The Books

Each week, the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB's Cooking The Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to donate smart and make your charitable dollars go further. Hosted by Frances Cook.OPINION: Just because you're feeling charitable doesn't mean you need to shoot yourself in the foot.You're able to get a tax rebate worth a third of your charitable donations, and yet, only about half of kiwis take the Government up on that offer.It makes no sense to leave that money going begging. You could get the rebate back, and donate it all over again. Or you could take yourself out for breakfast to reward yourself for being one of the good ones.Both are great options, but first, you need that cash in your pocket.The point is, the Government set up this sweetener for a reason. It's designed to encourage people to keep giving to charities.Just because you're doing the right thing doesn't mean you need to pinch your wallet any harder than necessary.And yet, the issue is actually getting worse. Since 2008