Should you be fortunate to receive a financial windfall from the passing of a relative, keep in mind how the giver spent money during their lifetime. To what causes did they contribute? I was the unexpected and lucky recipient of such a windfall several years ago. The inheritance allowed me to pay off debt, purchase a new car, and treat some family members to a weeklong vacation at the happiest place on earth.

In life, my relative had been generous to an animal shelter. I continued those good works in the form of gift cards at a local pet store. Those cards helped purchase food and supplies for the local animal shelter. Additionally, I donated funds to defray the cost of some adoptions. With every gift, I silently invoked gratitude for abundance.