As a principle, I never mind giving money to good buskers and street artists but will only ever offer any food or sandwiches I have on me to beggars. (Frankly, most look confused when you do!)
If my conscience smites me a little over this, I assuage its pangs by giving more to all of my trusted charitable works.
Most beggars are not what they appear to be. Christians are meant to be good stewards of money. (But NOT to love it, of course.)
