Americans donated nearly $300 billion last year to charity, setting a record that was inspired by aid to victims of the Asian tsunami and three major hurricanes in the U.S. According to the annual report from the Giving USA Foundation at Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy, Americans donated $295.02 billion in 2006, eclipsing the total of $283.05 billion in the previous year.



The American may get a bad reputation abroad in some places, but the bottom line is that we are a very giving people. We produce some of the greatest wealth on the planet, and, in turn, our wealthiest individuals like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are known for their success as well as their philanthropic efforts.

I save the most important chapter for last in my latest release, ?How Come That Idiot's Rich and I'm Not.?

The first 11 chapters of this new book discloses my proven theories on attaining wealth, but in the final few pages, it outlines what is truly important in life ? health, family, friends and philanthropy.

I hope my latest book helps people become successful, but if just one area has an impact on them, I hope it's that last chapter. People certainly have financial stress in their life, but sometimes they need to take a step back and understand that billions, yes billions, of people in the world don't have the things we take for granted. I think a lot of Americans understand that.

The results from the Giving USA report bear that out. Roughly 65 percent of charitable contributions come from households with incomes less than $100,000. The largest amount of money ? $96.82 billion ? goes to religious organizations, followed by $29.65 billion going to education.

The most important aspect of being wealthy is recognizing that you are wealthy and appreciate what money and financial success can do. For those who make a sincere effort to examine what they have in life compared to most in the world, it will help manage daily stress and anxiety.