Investors love to know what the “money” people are up to… simply because following their lead can often lead us to profits, too. We follow corporate insiders… activist investors… and legendary hedge fund managers like John Paulson, Jim Chanos, George Soros, and Bill Ackman. But the latest billionaire trend promises to be enriching in an entirely different way…

Charitable Investing: The Billionaire Pledge

Spearheaded by the world’s second and third richest men – Bill Gates and Warren Buffett – this billionaire trend is the “Giving Pledge.” A public commitment to give away the majority of their wealth.

Thing is, though, like Shania Twain’s hit song, “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

I’m serious. When you’ve got all the money – and things – in the world, it’s easy to give the majority of it away.

After all, you can’t take your money and possessions with you. Or as my dad likes to say, “I’ve never seen a U-Haul following a hearse.”

And do you think someone worth $20 billion or $30 billion is really giving up all that much by committing to live off a billion or two billion dollars? Truth is, even if they give away 99% of their wealth, they’re still going to be richer than 99% of the world.

Don’t get me wrong. What these billionaires are doing is noble and generous. But I’m more impressed by another type of giving…

The Most Rewarding Type of Giving

I call it sacrificial giving.

That is, giving when it hurts. Or when it involves giving up something of significant value. Like time or money, for example – both of which people need, but give up anyway because someone else needs it more.

Such giving is a much more difficult act of charity. And thousands of Americans do it every day.

I’ve been blessed to know one such person for the last seven years. She freely gives her time, energy and money to help some of the poorest individuals in the world. And I’m writing today with a simple request…

Let the Good – and FREE – Times Roll

Investors have enjoyed a good year. The S&P 500 is up 15% heading into the final few trading days. Granted, that’s not as great as last year’s 27% rise, but you’ve hopefully enjoyed a fair share of profits in 2010.

And if you’ve followed the free advice that my colleagues and I have provided here at Investment U, you’ve definitely won big.

• Just last month, for example, I told you to scoop up InterDigital (Nasdaq: IDCC). Shares are already up 29%.

• Before that, I told you to hold your nose and invest in politically charged South Korea, via the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSE:EWY). So far, the fund is up 24%.

• And before that, I alerted you to a safe income play in Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq: WIN). Including dividends, the stock is now up 43%.

Bottom line: If we’ve done anything to enrich your life, portfolio, or financial wisdom, I’m asking you to take a moment to learn about the amazing work being done in Nicaragua by my friend and Investment U founder, Julia Guth.

And to give a dollar if you can. Or as Henry Longfellow penned long ago: “Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”

Thousands of Nicaraguans Could Use Your Help

In 2003, Julia started the Roberto Clemente Santa Ana Health Clinic (www.nicaclinic.org) in Nicaragua – one of the poorest Latin American countries.

She doesn’t like to brag about the work… but I do. Because what she’s accomplished in seven short years is an inspiration.

The clinic now provides free and low-cost medical care to over 8,000 patients in the isolated villages of Limon, Rancho Santana and 41 surrounding communities.

We’re talking about pre-natal care, basic prescriptions, treatment for asthma attacks and allergic reactions and general checkups. Things we take for granted at walk-in clinics and hospitals in the United States.

Here’s the thing, though…

Can You Help Raise $50,000?

As a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the clinic depends solely on private donations to continue operating. And giving, particularly in developing countries, is still down in the aftermath of the recession.

The Clinic is experiencing a shortfall, too. It needs to raise another $50,000 before the end of the year, just to meet its budget. It needs modern sonogram equipment and money to expand its very limited exam room space.

I recognize that times remain tough and countless other causes deserve your consideration. But since many of you follow our investment recommendations, I’m hoping that you’ll consider following our lead when it comes to this charitable cause. And for many, this act of kindness would also be tax-deductible.

Obviously, I’d never ask you to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself. I’ve recently made a donation and I’m hoping to travel to Nicaragua to volunteer my time to the clinic, too. All I’m asking is that you give what you can.

If you look at the clinic’s top 10 needs, you’ll quickly realize that even small contributions will make an immediate difference. Especially since The Oxford Club and Investment U have graciously agreed to match any contributions that come in as a result of this message.

With over 100,000 subscribers, if everyone simply gave 50 cents, the clinic’s needs would be met. Yes, that’s all it would take.

Take it from one of the greatest investors, Sir John Templeton: “The best investment with the least risk and the greatest dividend is giving.”

I hope you’ll consider following his advice and finding out for yourself. All you have to do is visit this website.

Thanks again for your continued support and confidence as a subscriber to the web’s foremost free investment newsletter. And here’s to a healthy, happy and profitable 2011.

Good (and charitable) investing,

By Louis Basenese, InvestmentU Advisory Panelist

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