Merry Christmas to those that are celebrating today! At a balmy 80-degrees, I can’t say it really feels like Christmas. I guess this must be what it feels like Down Under.
This is our second year donating items to local charities in lieu of having a big holiday gift-swap with our immediate family. From our perspective, it’s what the holiday season is all about; giving to others in need.
It’s that time of year again where many people feel the financial stress of buying presents for their families, friends and even co-workers. Unfortunately, many consumers find it all too easy to charge all of these gifts on credit cards and unless they are ZERO interest cards, these shoppers will be going into the new year with Holiday debt. Now is that any way to start the New Year? NO!
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.