In a world overflowing with need and suffering, the urge to help is deeply human. From viral crowdfunding campaigns to street beggars and an endless stream of charity appeals, we are constantly reminded of people in distress. Many of us feel an emotional pull—sometimes even guilt—to donate, even when our own finances are stretched thin. But is it always right to give, no matter your own financial state? And what if the person asking is, perhaps quietly, better off than you? It’s not only okay but wise to set healthy boundaries around financial giving—especially when your basic needs hang in the balance. Sustainable generosity means caring for others without neglecting yourself.

The moral pressure to give is real. Moving stories travel fast: a family displaced by fire, a musician down on luck, an acquaintance facing medical bills. Photos, testimonials, and urgent language make it hard to look away. Many traditions—religious, cultural, and social—teach that giving is a virtue, sometimes even a duty. But there’s a critical distinction between enriching another person’s life and endangering your own welfare for the sake of charity. When generosity becomes self-erasure, it stops being healthy—for you and, ultimately, for those you want to support.