are giving to the causes you really care about, secure in the knowledge that the hard-earned dollars you donate are being used wisely by legitimate organizations. Better yet, you can use my guilt-free, foolproof response to unwanted fund-raising solicitations: "Our family has already earmarked our charitable contributions for this year. However, if you will send me information on your charity and your cause, we will be happy to consider you for next year."

Alfred Edmond Jr. is the editor-in-chief of BlackEnterprise.com