Hacker News Reader

Comment by droithomme | Hacker News Reader

At least 10% annually and give another 10% at least to charity.

I liked to put some in stocks I already had decided on, but also a bit in cash, then when there was a panic and prices dropped, I grabbed a bunch of things I already had and knew were solid. Not a gambler, just an observer that likes a bargain and is patient.

View on HN

10% to charity? I don't think that is realistic at all.

That's great! It really should be more as you point out, I typically give around 30% each year. But I know that is a bit higher than most. 10%'s kind of traditional "tithing" which is why I mentioned that, but that should be the lowest probably. Of course people can also choose not to give back at all. One of the great things about being in the tech field and making an enormous salary is it gives us the power to influence the direction of society through targeted donations. One charity I've supported for years keeps trying to have a "gala" in my honor. I tell them forget it, and for goodness sake keep me anonymous. Sheesh. Trouble like a gala I don't need.

This sounds a lot like a humble-brag :)

> One charity I've supported for years keeps trying to have a "gala" in my honor. I tell them forget it, and for goodness sake keep me anonymous.

More than sounds like IMO...

i think it is admirable. thanks for giving back to society. around friends, a little showing off is OK.

supporting those less fortunate, that's admirable.

10% of a 60k or even 100k annual salary is a different beast from 10% from a 500k. West coast FAANG salaries are far and away not the norm in the tech sector, and the average worker has none of that social influence with 50% of their salary, let alone 10%.

Frankly they’ll benefit everyone more by investing it in their own financial security and education.

I don't think you're in touch with reality or are just a massive troll.

You’ve failed to keep it anonymous yourself. If the purpose of anonymity is to retain purity of intention, you’re not doing yourself favors by admitting it here, in a public forum of your peers.

Let’s all please stop philanthocapitalism.

It’s a mechanical way to obtain social capital.

10% is what many call a 'tithe'. It's considered 'normal' for them.

(Many of the same also manage to retire quite handsomely. It's all about living within means.)

10% is totally realistic. The spread of salaries in the world spans a much greater range than 10%. I have given 10%+ of my salary to anti-malaria charities for years.

Well good for you. Some of us don't make west coast startup salaries.

Plenty of people get by on $27,000 a year, which is the same as earning $30,000 a year and giving 10%. I myself did this for many years before becoming rich. I'm not saying you should do this or anyone should, but it's not impossibly hard for everyone. $30K a year puts someone in the top 1% of earners worldwide. Giving $3K of that to charity can be a drag, but the benefit to someone earning $300 a year in Africa is way larger.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com