Gratitude and Giving

It's Thanksgiving Day and that means it's time to prepare a turkey, spend time with loved ones and kick off the holiday season by giving to others! Jean talks with life coach Aleta St. James about being thankful, and with charitable giving expert Trent Stamp about how to make smart holiday donations.

As an energy healer and life coach, Aleta helps others overcome obstacles in their lives. She says Thanksgiving is a perfect time for people to come together, enjoy their time away from work, let go of their burdens and be thankful for the positive gifts in their lives. "That's what Thanksgiving is about—it's families coming together to get support with the feeling of love and contribution," she says.

Thanksgiving is also about helping others in need, Trent says, with more than 50 percent of all charitable giving taking place between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Trent says it's important to make smart decisions when donating, whether it's food, goods or money. "Take your charitable giving as seriously as you took your investing," he says. At least 75 cents on your dollar should go directly to the charity's programs—not on administrative costs, he says. "You were smart when you made your money, don't be stupid when you give it away."