Luxury Fund

We've moved

2011-01-24T22:05:00.003-06:00

We won't be blogging here any longer. We've moved the blog to the new website. Go check it out and subscribe and tell a friend. Thanks!

www.luxuryfund.org

American's Spent $1 Billion on Nothing!

2010-07-23T21:57:00.004-05:00

That's right, Nothing.

Of all of the Luxury Fund stats I've posted over the past couple of years, this one bugs me the most.

In one year, American's spent over a BILLION dollars on "virtual goods". Virtual goods are things that don't exist (like virtual crops for instance) that help a person in an online game. In a recent report by Frank M Magid and OpenFeint, American's spent $168 million in one year on mobile virtual goods, which were used for smartphone games. And that aint nothin! Annual sales of virtual goods for xbox live bring Microsoft $625 million a year. Just as startling is the estimated $600 million spent on Mafia Wars and Farmville.

It's easy for me to freak out about this, because I've never played any of these games and I don't know the joys of harvesting pretend corn, but really, is it just me, or is this crazy?

If you are able to make a sacrifice today to help someone who has nothing, please click here:

100% of the donations are divided equally between Blood Water Mission, Compassion International, IJM and Love 146.

Luxury Fund blogs are never intended to point fingers, blame or shame anyone. We are here to make people aware of the excess luxury spending in America and asking you to consider what luxury you can give up for the good of someone who has nothing.

Independence Day Spending

2010-07-19T13:20:00.014-05:00

Every 4th of July over 87% of Americans spend time and money celebrating Independence Day. According to a survey conducted by BIGresearch Americans spent about $3 Billion this year to celebrate the holiday. Here's a dollar break down on this years spending...

$600 Million - Fireworks
$2 Billion - Backyard cookouts

$92 Million - Chips
$60.3 Million - Dip
$193.6 Million - Hamburger meat
$70.4 Million - Buns
$86.2 Million - Cheese
$203 Million - Mayonnaise, Mustard and Ketchup
$161.5 Million - Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions and Relish
$111.1 Million - Charcoal
$94.3 Million - Lighter fluid
$167.5 Million - Watermelon
$107.7 Million - Popsicles
$341.4 Million - Beer
$101 Million - Soda

That's not all. An estimated 35 million Americans traveled over 50 miles for their celebration. That carries quite the price tag too.

Luxury Fund blogs are never intended to point fingers, blame or shame anyone. We are here to make people aware of the excess luxury spending in America and asking you to consider what luxury you can give up for the good of someone who has nothing.

Valentine's Day Spending

2009-03-02T14:28:00.004-06:00

If you've read this blog for very long, you know I usually have something to say about holiday spending. Well, I've got some more stats for you along those lines. I was unable to find exact numbers for spending in 2009, but the estimated spending for Valentine's Day this year was almost $15 Billion. Last year, Americans spent $18 Billion on Valentine's Day gifts. I'm always amazed at how much we shell out for things. We have become a very commercialized consumer-oriented society. While we're munching on chocolates and smelling roses, millions of people around the world are in need of simple necessities for survival. Consider giving up a luxury today for the sake of someone who has never known a luxury.

These blogs are never intended to condemn or point a finger at anyone. We should be grateful for the luxuries that we have and enjoy them. We should also be able to forgo them from time to time for someone else.

Super Bowl Numbers

2009-02-02T15:49:00.004-06:00

Here we go again with some staggering statistics from the athletic side of things here in the USA. As you all know (and I found out yesterday morning) last night was the Super Bowl. I, not being a sports fan, have a hard time believing the numbers that I have found involving money and the Super Bowl. Let's take a look, shall we?

30 second advertisements for this years televised Bowl game were around $30 Million!

The face value of the tickets to this years Super Bowl was between $800 and $1000 each. Resale value for the same tickets was around $2500 each. Total ticket sales for the game $57.6 Million.

The players got a piece of the pie too. Each team member on the winning team, takes home $78,000 for the game. The losers get a measly $40,000.

And the players aren't even the biggest profiteers in this whole deal. Retail sales for team related merchandise are estimated at around $125 Million.

and finally, for a whopper of a number.... in 2007 sales of HDTVs sold to people who cited the Super Bowl as the reason for the purchase ...drum roll please....$2.2 billion!!

Meanwhile on the other side of the world 3000 children die each day from Malaria.

25% of the Luxury Fund each month goes to the Compassion International Malaria Fund, where $10 provides a mosquito net for children in Africa, which will protect them from mosquito bites and prolong their life.

Would you please give up a luxury this month for the sake of these kids? $10 will provide a child with a mosquito net.

100% of the money given to the Luxury Fund is given to the 4 organizations that we support. Please click on their links to learn more about each one. Also, be aware that the Luxury Fund is not a 501c3 organization, which means your donation is not tax-deductible.

Pampered Pets

2009-01-18T22:12:00.006-06:00

It's safe to say that some animals in the USA have it better than a lot of people around the world. It is estimated that Americans will spend $52 Billion on their pets this year. Which, by the way, is more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world.

Think about this...

Our dogs never miss a meal. They drink all of the clean water that they want. They have better medical care than even a lot of people in USA have (just the fact that they have medical care puts them ahead of millions of people in the world). There are doggy spas, mobile dog grooming services, professional dog walkers, dog motels, dog massage therapists and even animal psychologists.

If that's not enough, there are even "Neuticles" which are testicular implants for dogs who have been neutered, so that they can "retain their natural look and self-esteem". They've sold over a quarter million pairs worldwide.

Um, wow!

Don't get me wrong, I love my dog. As a matter of fact, I have the best dog in the world (that has been verified by many people). But there is such thing as going overboard with any kind of non-essential spending.

If you happen to be one who gets your dog a pedicure, massage or an hour session with the psychologist, maybe you could give that up this month for the sake of people in the world who need clean water, mosquito nets or a safe house to escape from slavery. Your dog won't mind, I'm sure.

We're back in action!

2009-01-16T15:51:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the unexpected time off. All is well here. I got too busy for my own good for about a month and I'm just getting a little order back in my life. First of all, I want to thank you all for your participation in the Luxury Fund. Between July 15th (our starting date) and December 31st, you gave $4454! That is incredible. Thanks for your part in that! Whether you gave money, added us as a friend on MySpace or Facebook, told your friends or whatever, your part was a big one, and I am grateful! I'm looking forward to a new year of giving. If you have any ideas about how you or I can turn our spending into giving, please post them here as a comment. It will be helpful to hear your ideas.

So, how about a staggering statistic of the week for ya?

Americans spend $33 billion in weight loss products and services each year.

Pretty crazy that we have to spend $33 Billion to lose weight when so many people go to bed hungry every night!

Let's be grateful for what we have and share with those who don't!

Thanks!!

Sex Slavery - Be an abolitionist!

2008-12-09T16:26:00.005-06:00

As we are focusing our attention this week to the work of Love146, let's take a look at the seriousness of the problem of sex slavery.

It is estimated that 2 children are sold into slavery every minute.

That's 2880 every day!

As of 2006 the number of children trafficked annually was estimated at 1.2 Million

The UN and other experts estimate the total market value of illicit human trafficking at roughly $32 Billion!

That makes trafficking on persons the second most lucrative crime in the world!

It is estimated that 27 million people are currently enslaved around the world.

All of this information and more can be found on at www.love146.org

This is a big problem! 100% of the money that we collect with the Luxury Fund is given away, 25% of it goes to Love146 who is working hard to end sex slave trade and restore the lives of freed slaves.

BE AN ABOLITIONIST!

Think of what you might give up this week, so that you can put a few bucks in the Luxury Fund to help this cause.

Thanks!

Love 146

2008-12-08T17:51:00.006-06:00

For the month of December, I'll be spending a week "Showcasing" each organization that we support, so you can have a better idea of what they do and why we have chosen them to give money to.

This week . . . Love146

The trafficking and rape of children for profit is one of the darkest stories on the planet. This physical, mental and emotional trauma leaves children broken and scarred for life. Interventions for these children
are critical to their survival. This is why Love146 exists.

Love146 works toward the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through prevention and aftercare. Love146 trains aftercare workers, multiplies safehomes, aids socioeconomic development programs in high risk communities and provides a voice for these victims of modern-day slavery.

This information and more can be found on their website www.love146.org.

Here's what the people at Love146 have to say about the Luxury Fund:

"Love146 is grateful for the support of The Luxury Fund in helping to abolish child sex slavery and exploitation. All funds received via the Luxury Fund go towards our Aftercare program which includes building a new "Round Safehome" and running existing safehomes. See our website love146.org for more details."

Please decide what you can give up this week so that you can contribute to the Luxury Fund. We can make a difference by making one small sacrifice at a time!

SEC Championship Game

2008-12-04T10:42:00.007-06:00

This weekend Atlanta will host the 17th annual SEC Championship game in the Georgia Dome. I know it's a big day for a lot of people. #1 ranked Alabama fans and #2 ranked Florida fans can hardly stand the anticipation of the game this weekend. In light of this weekends focus on the big game, I thought I'd throw out some numbers for you (you know I like like throwing numbers out there).

Let's talk money.

Nick Saben coaches Alabama for an annual salary of $4 Million.

Urban Meyer coaches Florida for an annual salary of $3.25 Million.

Ticket prices (as of today) online are between $400 and $800 each and The Georgia Dome seats 71250 people.

A cup of beer at the Georgia Dome is $7.50

A bottle of water at the Georgia Dome is $2.50

I have no idea how to calculate fuel, lodging, food and miscellaneous spending for the 71,250 who will be in attendance, but I'm guessing it's ridiculous!

Now for even more sobering numbers

During the 3 hour duration of the game:

360 Children will be trafficked for sexual exploitation.

465 Children will die from lack of clean water.

2165 Children will die from lack of food.

I don't want to ruin your game weekend, but I would like you to consider the excess money that goes into recreation will so many around the world are suffering and dying every day.

Every little bit helps!! Can you give $1, $5, $10?

I promise there will be some very grateful people!

Luxury Fund is not a 501c3 organization. Your only reward is knowing that you have helped make someones life better! We give 100% of the money we raise to four amazing organizations who are able to do a lot with a little. Check the links to find out more about Blood Water Mission, Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Love 146.

Update Video

2008-12-02T10:32:00.003-06:00

We are not a 501c3 organization. Donations are not tax-deductible, your only reward is knowing that you've helped someone who was unable to help themselves.

Black Friday Numbers Are In....

2008-11-30T11:40:00.007-06:00

Not even a recession will hold back Americans when it comes to spending money. What if we were as eager to give as we are to spend? We could change the world. No, really, we could! Friday, Americans were out in droves fighting fatigue, traffic and fellow shoppers to get the best deals on new stuff for Christmas. The preliminary numbers for spending on Friday are estimated at $10.6 Billion. That's an increase of 3% over last year. $10.6 Billion is over half of what's needed annually to end world hunger.

The Luxury Fund gives 100% of the money that we collect to 4 organizations who are working hard to change the lives of people all over the world by freeing slaves, providing clean drinking water for people who don't have it, mosquito nets for kids who are likely to contract malaria from mosquito bites and loving homes and counseling for girls who have been set free from sex slavery.

Isn't that worth more than an X Box, iPhone, or the latest Hannah Montana paraphernalia? I think so.

If you want to know more about each organization, check out their links on the side of the page.

Help out if you can. Even $1 helps.

If you benefit from or enjoy this blog, please subscribe and tell your friends about the Luxury Fund.

Black Friday - Lives up to its name

2008-11-29T09:37:00.002-06:00

I almost cried as I read the headlines this morning.

"Black Friday Turns Deadly" as a Wal Mart employee was trampled to death by a stampede of shoppers.

"Fatal Shooting Following Toy Store Brawl" , two men fatally shot.

"Wal Mart Shoppers Scuffle Over Last X Box 360" There was actually a video of people piled on top of each other fighting over a game!

That's just the violent side of Black Friday. The amount of money spent yesterday will probably bring tears to my eyes too when those numbers are released.

Thursday, I had Thanksgiving lunch with about 100 people with no homes or a family to share a meal with, who were thankful to share a hot meal with smiling faces.

For so many others around the world it was just another day of hunger, sickness and death.

Meanwhile, many Americans are waking up before the sun to fight traffic, check out lines and sometimes each other to get the best deals on cool new stuff. This year, it cost 3 American lives.

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with bargain shopping. If you went shopping yesterday, I'm not condemning you for doing so (unless you beat someone up for a sale item), but I think we can all agree that here in America, we have some mixed up priorities and I hope that we as individuals can at least can recognize how blessed we are and be willing to share with others out of our abundance or even sacrifice to do so.

Please consider how you can give more this year than you did last year. Or better yet, just give more today than you did yesterday. Even if it's just a buck, it's a great start.

Thanks!

Staggering Statistic of the Week 11-24-08

2008-11-24T13:20:00.001-06:00

They call the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday". It's when millions of Americans go out and spend money that they don't have (most of the time) on things that they don't need (also most of the time).

Last year on Black Friday, Americans spent $531 MILLION just on online shopping. Yes, that's one day of internet shopping! Wow!

Last year between November 1 - 23, Americans spent $9.3 BILLION on online shopping!!! Can you believe it?

This year, would you consider making a donation to the Luxury Fund on Black Friday? Let's have a day of our own Staggering Statistics proving that we do care for people who have nothing and are dying as a result.

Thanks for your help!

Staggering Statistic of the Week

2008-11-06T14:49:00.003-06:00

Last year, Americans ate 675 million pounds of turkey.

Oh yeah, that was on 1 day of the year. . . Thanksgiving.

This year, let's be thankful for what we have, and remember the nearly 1 Billion people around the world who are undernourished because they don't have access to food.

Staggering Statistic of the Week (Or month)

2008-10-28T21:59:00.002-05:00

I've been away for a bit and haven't been posting weekly stats, but I have a good one for you now.

This year, it is estimated that Americans will spend $5.7 BILLION on Halloween costumes and decorations.

Well, the good news is that we're just trying to come up with $750 for the Luxury Fund!

I think we can still do it!

Thanks for your help.

www.luxuryfund.org

Exceedingly, Abundantly, Above and Beyond

2008-10-03T19:19:00.004-05:00

We exceeded our goal of $750 for the month of September!

Thanks for your contributions and your help spreading the word!

We raised a total of $856 in September, and with your help, we can do it again.

Cable TV $

2008-09-25T12:43:00.003-05:00

And now for this weeks staggering statistic...

Americans spend around $75 Billion a year on Cable TV.

Just think of how much money AND time we could save without it.

We're still hoping for $750 this month.

Help if you can.

Thanks!

www.luxuryfund.org

Staggering Statistic of the week - Health Food Spending

2008-09-17T11:33:00.004-05:00

Americans spend and estimated $5.5 Billion a year on health food and beverages.

Obviously, there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, but think of the good we could do with one sacrifice in this area of spending. Health food ain't cheap.

Whether or not you are a health food consumer, any gift will help us get closer to our goal for the month.

If we are able to reach our goal for the month, we'll be able to give $187.50 to each of the four organizations that we support.

Can you help?

Thanks!

www.luxuryfund.org

sex slave trade stats

2008-09-10T21:01:00.005-05:00

Here are some sex slavery stats from the Love146 website:

* It is estimated that 2 children are sold as slaves every minute

* The number of children trafficked annually is around 1.2 million

* The total market value of illicit human trafficking is $32 Billion

* 27 Million people are currently enslaved around the world

Love 146 works to abolish child sex slavery in southeast Asia.

What can you give up today to help them fund their work?

coffee, bottled water, energy drinks, ice cream, soft drinks, fast food, . . . ?

Anything helps.

Since we combine our gifts for a month, even $1 is helpful.

Other ways you can help - link to this blog, blog about the luxury fund, copy and paste the chipin widget on your blog or website, tell your friends, join the facebook cause, send us your ideas.

Staggering Statistic of the Week

2008-09-08T22:20:00.002-05:00

Each week, we'll try to have a statistic on American spending for your enlightenment and/or enjoyment.

And now, for this installment of "the staggering statistic of the week"....

Americans spend around $97 Billion a year on Beer!

Wow!

Blood Water Mission - Video

2008-09-07T15:35:00.007-05:00

Check out this video from Blood Water Mission. Just think, every dollar that you give provides clan drinking water for 1 African person for an entire year. Definitely worth giving up a luxury every now and then, don't you think?

100% of the money given to the Luxury Fund is given away to organizations who are helping people around the world. 25% is given to Blood Water Mission.

Blog 146

2008-09-05T22:47:00.003-05:00

Love 146 has a new Blog called Blog 146. Check it out!

Thanks!!

2008-08-31T20:28:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all of the support in August. We exeeded our goal of $400! We collected a total of $660 in August, which means that each of the 4 supported organizations will receive $165! This month we're shooting for $750. Let's see what we can do.

Why does the Luxury Fund exist?

2008-08-16T22:36:00.002-05:00

We give 100% of the Luxury Fund money to 4 organizations. 25% goes to Love146. The money we give to Love146 helps pay for aftercare for children who have been rescued from sex slavery. Watch this video and see where some of your Luxury money can go.

Week one down and website up

2008-08-09T13:25:00.002-05:00

We've had a great first week in August. So far we've collected $70. I think we'll meet our $400 goal this month. What do you think? Let's do it!

We finally have a "website" up for you to check out. It's a MySpace page.

Check it out if you get the chance. www.luxuryfund.org

Thanks!

2008-08-06T11:09:00.002-05:00

We've set up a "Cause"page on Facebook and on MySpace. If you're a member of either, come join the cause.

We also received a statement today from Love 146 -

"Love146 is grateful for the support of The Luxury Fund in helping to abolish child sex slavery and exploitation. All funds received via the Luxury Fund go towards our Aftercare program which includes building a new "Round Safehome" and running existing safehomes. See our website love146.org for more details."

Thanks for all of your help!

You're making a difference in the lives of real people around the world!

Our website is coming soon. Hang tight.

Off to a good start!

2008-08-03T06:18:00.005-05:00

The first month of the Luxury Fund was great! Thanks for your help! Our first month was actually only 3 weeks, because The Luxury Fund started on July 10. In that 3 weeks, $200 came into the fund. We divided that money in 4 parts and sent $50 each to Blood Water Mission, Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Love 146. If you're not familiar with these organizations, check out the links to the right. They all do amazing things for people around the world. That $200 will go a long way with these organizations. For instance, every $10 given to the Compassion International Malaria fund, buys a mosquito net for a child in Africa. Blood Water Mission can provide clean drinking water for an African person for an entire year for $1 through their well digging programs. Just think how far your Red Bull or Mocha Frappuccino money will go if you give it up a few times a month.

Let's try to double this month what we did in July. Do you think we can send $400 out on September 1st? Let's try and see what happens.

Thanks for being a part of this!!

There will be a Luxury Fund website up soon. Stay tuned.

Did you know that Americans spent an estimated $550 million on ringtones in 2007?

Two weeks in

2008-07-25T21:36:00.007-05:00

We're two weeks into the Luxury Fund experiment and I'd say that it's off to a good start. Thanks for all of the positive response. I think that if we continue to combine our efforts and continue to make small sacrifices every now and then, we can really make a global difference.

A few people have asked for further explanation on how this works exactly. So, here it is - this is not a commitment to giving anything up for good. This is making day to day decisions. Today I may decide to have a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop and tomorrow decide to forgo that cup for the sake of the luxury fund. If I decide not to have that cup of coffee, I can come to the Luxury Fund Blog (soon to be website) and put $3 into the fund by clicking on the "Donate" button and using my check card. Maybe your luxury is an energy drink. Give it up one day and contribute what you would have spent on that drink to the luxury fund. There is no need to change your budget or commit to giving a certain amount each month, but just think one day at a time how you're spending your money and see if you can turn that money that you're spending into money that you're giving. You may end up giving $3 a month or $100 a month, there's no pressure, and it's up to you. As much as this is to raise funds for these organizations, it's also to get us thinking about how privileged we are and how we can help others who aren't so privileged.

At the end of this month (July 31st), we'll divide the money that has come into the fund equally between the organizations that we're supporting and we'll tell you what that amount is. Maybe next month that amount will be more, and as the word spreads hopefully the fund will grow.

Please tell anyone and everyone you know about the Luxury fund and we can all be a part of changing and saving lives.

If you have thoughts or stories about what you have given up or anything related to this experiment, please leave a comment below.

Thanks for being a part of this!

Oh yeah, here's another spending statistic for you ...

In 2001, Americans spent more than $2.1 billion in grocery stores and drugstores on breath freshening products.

Introducing The Luxury Fund

2008-07-10T11:27:00.009-05:00

Did you know that $1 will provide clean drinking water for an African person for an entire year? And that Americans spend $20 Billion on Ice Cream and $15 Billion on bottled water each year?

We're starting The Luxury Fund in hopes of using some of our "luxury money" to help change the lives of those around the world who suffer from great poverty, disease, and injustice. It's just in the beginning stages. In the first stage, a.k.a. "The Experiment," I'm presenting the idea to people that I know, to see what they think and what sort of response there is.

As Americans, we are very privileged. We have access to doctors, food, clean drinking water and systems that protect us from all sorts of injustice. The majority of the people on the planet are not so privileged. We also have small everyday luxuries that we take for granted, like good coffee, bottled water, energy drinks, soft drinks, ice cream, candy bars, movies ... (obviously this list could go on and on.) We as Americans spend hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars each year on these luxuries while many people in this world suffer without access to clean water, a decent food supply, or protection from injustice. While I think we would all agree there is nothing innately wrong with a premium cup of coffee or a sweet treat every now and then, I want to encourage people to be aware of how much they spend on a daily basis on these things and how that same money could impact our neighbors in other parts of the world.

Our family is participating in "The Experiment." We are planning to decide together what daily luxuries we can give up for a month in hopes of making an impact in the world. We hope this month becomes a way of life for us. Would you like to join us in "The Experiment?" For the next few weeks, could you forgo a chosen luxury? The next time you decide to give up a luxury for the day, come put that money in the Luxury Fund, and let's see what we can do.

We have chosen a few incredible organizations to which the Luxury Fund money will be donated. To find out more about these organizations, check out the links on the side of the page. At the end of the this month, we will divide the money evenly among these organizations. The intent behind the Luxury Fund is not to condemn the things we are able to enjoy but to help us become more aware of how we are spending and how we can be giving.

We'll have a real website up before long, but I'd love to have something to give to these groups by the end of this month. I'd really like to know what you all think of this plan.

Stay tuned for more staggering statistics.

Feel free to comment below.

Thanks!!