Was having a debate with another Jewish friend of mine (I'm not Jewish, but an interested party) about something I recently did/have been known to do on occasion.
If a person I regularly do business with (Babysitter, Handyman, etc.) says they're falling on hard times, I've been known to give them a lift by pre-purchasing services from them ahead, they pay me back in service credits later.
I've argued before that this is at the highest level, since I'm offering a job, often up to what they need, but sometimes (including recently) I can't do that either with falling short, so usually what I'm comfy with.
My friend disagrees, says I need to make sure they're no longer needy at whatever cost...
Can someone settle this debate on where I stand Tzedakah wise?