Sigal Samuel, a journalist for Vox, has spoken openly about her childhood growing up in a family that depended on social assistance. Her family's basic needs were met, but there were no luxuries. As an adult, Samuel has built a successful career and earns a good income. However, she has struggled with a condition that The New York Times describes as a non-medically recognized issue marked by "irrational anxieties about one's own finances." This condition, sometimes called financial anxiety, affects nearly three in ten American adults, with 41% of millennials, those aged 25 to 45, being particularly impacted. Samuel has found that giving to charity has helped her manage this anxiety, even though she initially felt uncomfortable with the idea. Samuel began making small donations of $10, gradually increasing her contributions to several thousand dollars a year. She emphasizes the importance of being informed about how to make the most effective donations, such as choosing non-profits with transparent financial practices. However, she acknowledges that comparing different charitable causes can be challenging. For example, deciding between supporting efforts to fight malaria or helping those with depression involves personal values and beliefs, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Samuel also discusses the limits of relying solely on charity to address financial anxiety. She references philosopher Susan Wolf's concept of the "moral saint," which criticizes people who try to make every action a charitable one, often at the expense of their own well-being. Samuel advises allowing space for self-centered activities, such as reading or other personal pleasures, and emphasizes that generosity should not be the only responsibility of individuals. In addition to financial giving, Samuel highlights other forms of moral effort, such as those described in the Islamic tradition of sadaqa. This concept includes non-monetary acts, like helping someone with their luggage or offering a compliment, which can be just as meaningful as financial donations. She suggests that while giving money to charities is one way to help, it is not the only way to contribute positively to the world.