Tracking Tzedakah and Charitable Giving: A Simple System for Families

Many families give generously but have no clear picture of how much, to whom, or whether they met their own commitment. A simple system solves that — and makes tax season easier too.

1. Set a target

For many families the target is maaser — 10% of income. Others set a fixed monthly amount or a yearly pledge. Write the target down; you can't measure what you haven't defined.

2. Log every donation

Record the amount, the date and the recipient: shul, school, a collector at the door, an online campaign. Small cash gifts count too — they add up and are the easiest to forget.

3. Keep receipts

In Canada and the US, donations to registered charities can reduce your taxes. Save official receipts as they arrive so you're not searching for them in April. In Israel, donations to approved organizations (section 46) earn a tax credit.

4. Look at the balance, not just the total

Compare what you gave with what you set out to give. If you're behind, you'll know early; if you're ahead, that credit can carry forward.

5. Review the year

Once a year — many people choose around Rosh Hashana — look at the full picture: total given, percentage of income, and the causes you supported. It's a meaningful way to start the new year.

Smart Money tracks tzedakah as its own category, compares it to your maaser obligation, lists every donation with a date, and can show a yearly summary by the Gregorian or the Hebrew year.

This is general information, not tax or halachic advice.