This weekend, we (ha, ha, ha….Mr. LH!) spent only one hour creating a total of 5 mason jar gifts; we’re calling them Mrs. Claus’ Cookies, but it’s really just a variation on Cowgirl Cookies from Bakerella. These gifts were easier to make, about the same cost (maybe less), and didn’t require any baking at all.

The rippling effect of this country’s economic struggles has made it much more difficult for the average household to maintain a solid financial foundation without any signs of detrimental damage. Even upper-class wealthy consumers have had to go back to the drawing board to reevaluate and revise their financial plans and budgets accordingly.

The first week in December is renowned as one of the busiest periods for forex traders, especially as they approach the end of the final financial quarter. Given the volatile nature of the market, however, there is little opportunity for traders to rest on their laurels at any time of the financial year.

There are plenty of ways to save money over the holiday season; reduce the amount of gifts you buy people, make some homemade gifts, use coupons, shop sales, make a budget and stick to it.

This year, I’ve been invited to a cookie exchange. It’s my very first time attending one of these events and Mr. LH had to look it up for me before I understood what I had gotten myself into.