THANK YOU for writing an article that praises gift cards. I used to get clothes as gifts all the time (without asking for the clothes, mind you) Very rarely did someone get it right when it came to clothing style, color and size. Returning the clothes was a hassle. Now, people know which stores I like (Kohl's, etc.), and get me gift cards to those stores, knowing I'll get something that I'm happy with. If someone prefers a gift card for a present, I say respect their wishes and buy them the gift card.
The best trick that I've found to remain thankful for what I have is to ask myself everyday "What are your three good things?" This forces me to come up with three good things that happened on that day and focus on the good instead of the bad. I've started this with my 6 year old niece and I see a major difference in her attitude. Before when I asked her how school was she would tell me everything bad that happened. Now, she immediately tells me the positive things. Give it a try!
I saw a great point on Gail Vaz Oxlade's blog this morning: that putting money aside for a vacation or a purchase isn't "saving" -- it's planned spending.
I loved the article. I found it hilarious and despite being quite depressed because I know I'm slated for the axe, I had a good chuckle. The writer has a very good sense of humour.
My favorite part is giving gifts to my sons and grandson, things that they will enjoy and make them happy. We've started a tradition of picking a gift we've been given, then giving it away to a local charity that distributes gifts to other children in need. For us, that's really the best part of the holidays.
There's a farm near us where you can get a walmart bag full of vegetables for like $3. They really only sell tomatoes, corn, squash, and I think they had some peppers and a couple other things. In the spring when they open again I'm planning on going there and buying a bunch and canning them. I'd grow stuff myself, but my dog would destroy it, and I'm not very good with growing things. I like farmers markets too for the same reason.
Unless you are doing this by necessity, I strongly agree that frugality needs to be taken in baby steps and be made part of a routine. If starbucks is your thing... figure out how you can do it cheaper. Instead of buying books... go to the library or buy from a second hand store. There are so many ways to find creative ways NOT to spend money.
You must be my sister from another Mister.;0) I couldn't agree with you more. Life isn't worth living without well made shoes , travel and your well being. I'm getting a haircut this weekend. I've been miserably waiting to save money. Not worth it!:0)
I love decorating the house and bringing out all the lights for the front of the house. I love our neighborhood and the cheerful displays of Christmas for the month of December!
Gift cards can be good, but it's still important to put some thought into the gift and ensure that the gift card is something the recipient will use.
Each year I usually get a Starbucks gift card or two as a gift. While I appreciate the sentiment, I'm not a coffee drinker. The idea of paying a couple of dollars for a cup of hot tea or even hot chocolate, which I could make just as good (or better) at home for a fraction of the price just seems silly to me, even if I don't actually have to spend my own money for it. I usually end up swapping the Starbucks card with my sister for a Target card or having a friend buy it off me. It all works out, but it's a few extra steps. It would be much easier if the gift giver knew me a little better and got me a gift card to the local used bookstore, comic shop or even Target (where I would promise to use it for something fun and not just groceries.).
These tips are the exact reasons why I love giving and receiving gift cards during the holidays. Some people are absolutely against it because they think you should put more thought into something, but a lot of the time gift cards are a way better present than anything else. I'm like you, not a lot of room in my budget to head out to the mall for myself whenever I feel like it, so I especially love getting gift cards from family and friends, because it means they got me something I know I'll love when I get to pick it out!
Going to the doctor and home maintenance and repair are the two that you definitely need to keep up with if you want to make sure you're not paying a bundle later on to pay for an even worse problem. If there is something small that is easily fixible, the best thing to do is just suck it up and get it repaired, if you don't, you might be very sorry later on that your didnt take that one preventative measure. This is also important to remember in terms of your car! Spending some cash here and there to get your car running smoothly and safely, will be loads of help when you're not faced with a decision to get a new engine, or an entirely new car.
Great post. I'm a big believer in good haircuts. That way, I can spend time working, rather than blow drying! Plus, they look good for a lot longer, so I think it evens out in the end in terms of cost.
I have a friend who gives out a mix of his favorite songs from the last year around the holidays. Since I tend to be rubbish at searching out new music, I always really appreciate that.
I tend to agree with your opposition's views. The idea with early savings is to get into the savings habit, BEFORE your budget is fully appropriated to bills and loans. As I learned early, "pay yourself before others". You earned it, you deserve it.
The best part about the holidays for our family (we don't celebrate like others do) is the extra time to spend with family and friends. Unfortunately, this year we won't have as much extra time off with the holiday being on the weekend!
THANK YOU for writing an article that praises gift cards. I used to get clothes as gifts all the time (without asking for the clothes, mind you) Very rarely did someone get it right when it came to clothing style, color and size. Returning the clothes was a hassle. Now, people know which stores I like (Kohl's, etc.), and get me gift cards to those stores, knowing I'll get something that I'm happy with. If someone prefers a gift card for a present, I say respect their wishes and buy them the gift card.
The best trick that I've found to remain thankful for what I have is to ask myself everyday "What are your three good things?" This forces me to come up with three good things that happened on that day and focus on the good instead of the bad. I've started this with my 6 year old niece and I see a major difference in her attitude. Before when I asked her how school was she would tell me everything bad that happened. Now, she immediately tells me the positive things. Give it a try!
I saw a great point on Gail Vaz Oxlade's blog this morning: that putting money aside for a vacation or a purchase isn't "saving" -- it's planned spending.
Food for thought.
I loved the article. I found it hilarious and despite being quite depressed because I know I'm slated for the axe, I had a good chuckle. The writer has a very good sense of humour.
The not having to work part!
My favorite part is giving gifts to my sons and grandson, things that they will enjoy and make them happy. We've started a tradition of picking a gift we've been given, then giving it away to a local charity that distributes gifts to other children in need. For us, that's really the best part of the holidays.
Bennigan's has been out of business for years.
I love going home. I've never spent a Christmas away from my family. It's a nice constant.
There's a farm near us where you can get a walmart bag full of vegetables for like $3. They really only sell tomatoes, corn, squash, and I think they had some peppers and a couple other things. In the spring when they open again I'm planning on going there and buying a bunch and canning them. I'd grow stuff myself, but my dog would destroy it, and I'm not very good with growing things. I like farmers markets too for the same reason.
Unless you are doing this by necessity, I strongly agree that frugality needs to be taken in baby steps and be made part of a routine. If starbucks is your thing... figure out how you can do it cheaper. Instead of buying books... go to the library or buy from a second hand store. There are so many ways to find creative ways NOT to spend money.
My favorite thing about the holidays is being together with family.
Good list! FYI on #2: Public libraries often have free passes for local museums that you can check out.
You must be my sister from another Mister.;0) I couldn't agree with you more. Life isn't worth living without well made shoes , travel and your well being. I'm getting a haircut this weekend. I've been miserably waiting to save money. Not worth it!:0)
I love decorating the house and bringing out all the lights for the front of the house. I love our neighborhood and the cheerful displays of Christmas for the month of December!
You can't be older than 35 for #12
Gift cards can be good, but it's still important to put some thought into the gift and ensure that the gift card is something the recipient will use.
Each year I usually get a Starbucks gift card or two as a gift. While I appreciate the sentiment, I'm not a coffee drinker. The idea of paying a couple of dollars for a cup of hot tea or even hot chocolate, which I could make just as good (or better) at home for a fraction of the price just seems silly to me, even if I don't actually have to spend my own money for it. I usually end up swapping the Starbucks card with my sister for a Target card or having a friend buy it off me. It all works out, but it's a few extra steps. It would be much easier if the gift giver knew me a little better and got me a gift card to the local used bookstore, comic shop or even Target (where I would promise to use it for something fun and not just groceries.).
These tips are the exact reasons why I love giving and receiving gift cards during the holidays. Some people are absolutely against it because they think you should put more thought into something, but a lot of the time gift cards are a way better present than anything else. I'm like you, not a lot of room in my budget to head out to the mall for myself whenever I feel like it, so I especially love getting gift cards from family and friends, because it means they got me something I know I'll love when I get to pick it out!
Going to the doctor and home maintenance and repair are the two that you definitely need to keep up with if you want to make sure you're not paying a bundle later on to pay for an even worse problem. If there is something small that is easily fixible, the best thing to do is just suck it up and get it repaired, if you don't, you might be very sorry later on that your didnt take that one preventative measure. This is also important to remember in terms of your car! Spending some cash here and there to get your car running smoothly and safely, will be loads of help when you're not faced with a decision to get a new engine, or an entirely new car.
Great post. I'm a big believer in good haircuts. That way, I can spend time working, rather than blow drying! Plus, they look good for a lot longer, so I think it evens out in the end in terms of cost.
I have a friend who gives out a mix of his favorite songs from the last year around the holidays. Since I tend to be rubbish at searching out new music, I always really appreciate that.
Spending time with family and falling asleep under the Christmas tree.
I tend to agree with your opposition's views. The idea with early savings is to get into the savings habit, BEFORE your budget is fully appropriated to bills and loans. As I learned early, "pay yourself before others". You earned it, you deserve it.
Thanks for listening, Bill
LIKE WB on FB!
The best part about the holidays for our family (we don't celebrate like others do) is the extra time to spend with family and friends. Unfortunately, this year we won't have as much extra time off with the holiday being on the weekend!
Aside from the basic answers of Christ and family, I LOVE seeing peoples' homes decorated with lights, and I love Christmas music. :)