How much money should I actually give away each year?

I've watched people torture themselves with this question, and I understand why. It feels like it has one correct answer. It doesn't. What matters is that you arrive at the amount through honest reasoning about your values and circumstances. Some people give 1% of income and feel right about it. Others give 10% or more. Both can be ethical if the decision comes from integrity, not performance or guilt. Start by asking: What do I actually need to live with dignity? Not comfort—dignity. Health, shelter, security, meaningful work. Once you've answered that honestly, the remaining money belongs to a larger claim: to others also seeking dignity. I've found that the right giving level is the one you can sustain without resentment and that reflects your actual priorities. If you claim to care about justice but give nothing, that's worth examining. If you give so much you become resentful or reckless with your own security, that's also worth examining. The answer is personal and evolves. Start somewhere reasonable—even 2-3% of income can be substantial—and adjust as you learn what feels true to you.