When people opt to migrate to the United States, it’s not uncommon for their loved ones to believe that they’ll take care of them. There’s a perception that people go to America in order to become rich. That being said, if you possess the means and want to provide some extra help for your family back home it’s perfectly alright to send things their way. However, you want to make sure that what you can do for them can actually benefit them. For example, souvenirs are great, but not the most helpful thing you could do for your family. If you have loved ones in Africa, consider some of these ways to provide for them.
Send Money
There are numerous ways to send money internationally these days. Either through a bank or through money sending companies that specialize in doing just that, such as Paypal, Western Union, or Paysend. This way you can provide extra funds for your family, or send them money almost instantly when they need it. Depending on the level of access your family has, you might even be able to send digital currencies so they can use them for purchases in establishments that accept cryptocurrency.
Purchase Groceries
You can check out a local to the region African store in order to find out if they have a pick-up service you can order from. If you have loved ones who live in Ghana, for example, you can purchase the groceries and allow them to enjoy the pick-up service over there. This is an excellent option in order to make sure they have their weekly groceries without incurring things like shipping costs. Granted, if there are some American treats they like, you’ll have to simply ship them over or wait to bring them with you on a visit. However, as it pertains to weekly groceries, find a store that provides a pick-up service option. This is a great way to provide for your loved ones, whether they need the extra help or you just want to provide a fun treat for them.
Ship Barrels
Barrels are known as an efficient way to ship goods from one country to another. In order to get the most out of your package, you should try to strategically pack as much as you can in each barrel. You can easily pack shoes, clothing, and other toiletries within one barrel, along with any special items like gifts or treats you’d want to include. Even items such as school supplies, bedding, and books can go inside. Whether you choose to send one barrel per quarter or one barrel per year, make sure you maximize the space that’s provided within one because it easily costs a few hundred dollars to ship overseas.
When you’re making provisions for your family, always factor in the logistics such as cost of goods, cost of shipping, what they need or want, and more. When you can find quality items at ideal prices, take advantage of that. Develop separate income streams that can completely cover the expenses involved. When you budget, plan and prepare in advance, along with these tips, you’ll be able to adequately provide for your loved ones even when they’re half a world away.