Not too long ago, I found myself plunking down a good amount of cash—roughly what I spend on groceries for a month—to attend a political fundraiser. At first I felt almost dirty considering it, but in the end, I decided to do it because it was a cause that is important to me. Being a young journalist, I don't make a ton of money, especially not when Manhattan rent is factored in. But I stretched myself thin to support a cause that I care about.