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Good Financial Choices and Frugal, Sentimental Gifts for Adult Kids

Every year around this time, I get stressed a bit about balancing good financial choices and my desire to spoil my kiddos for Christmas. Add to that, the cost of shipping gifts across the country doesn’t exactly scream “budget-friendly.” With adult kids scattered around, I’m reminded that every gift also comes with a shipping label and a price tag that just keeps creeping up.

This year, my holiday budget is solely dependent on my $5 savings that I started early this year. I started back in January, putting aside those fives, and it’s added up! But even with my “$5 stash,” I am going to have to get creative about how to give gifts that don’t break the bank and still feel special.

Here are a few frugal, sentimental gift ideas to keep things meaningful without overextending. I hope they help you find a little balance too:

1. Family Recipe Book

My kids might live all over, but one thing that keeps us connected is the food we all grew up with. This is what I did last year and they all love it! I gathered our go-to dishes, from holiday cookies to comfort foods, typed them up, and added little stories or memories tied to each recipe. I even digitized it and shared with them (and my siblings) for them to add their own. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s like handing over a slice of family history they can pass on someday. Plus, if you format it simply, you can email it and save on shipping!

2. Memory Jar or Journal

I know, this sounds a bit crafty, but hear me out: a memory jar or journal can be one of the most heartfelt gifts. I’ve done this a couple of times, filling a jar with little notes about memories we share, funny stories, pictures, or life lessons I’d like them to remember. When they’re having a tough day, they can pull one out and feel a bit of home no matter where they are. If mailing a jar isn’t practical (or affordable), you can use a small notebook or journal. It’s budget-friendly, and they always seem to love it! (I’m working on an alternative to this one for this year, but it’s still just an idea noodling around in my head.)

3. Plan a “Gift of Time” Day Together

Now that my kids are adults, they don’t expect things as much as they appreciate time and experiences. Instead of a physical gift, I’ll plan a day or activity for us to enjoy together whenever we’re able to be in the same place. (Like our New York trip a couple of years ago.) It could be anything from a coffee date, a hike, or even a homemade dinner of all their favorites. The memories from a day like that? Priceless. And the best part: there’s no shipping cost involved.

The holidays can be a financial struggle, especially when you’re balancing the desire to give meaningful gifts with a budget (that $5 stash only goes so far!). The small, heartfelt gifts remind me that giving thoughtfully can mean just as much as giving lavishly—if not more. The focus should be on connection, and that’s the kind of gift that doesn’t need wrapping paper or a shipping label.

Do you have ideas to add to the list?

Hope

Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager helping clients grow their business and work more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, & tech solutions. She’s recently become an empty nester as her 5 foster/adoptive kids have spread their wings. She lives with her 3 dogs in a small town in NE Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She struggles with the travel bug and is doing her best to help each of her kids as their finish schooling and become independent (but it’s hard!) She has run her own consulting company for almost twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the Spring of 2015 and feels like she has finally in a place to really focus on making wise financial decisions.

Should You Bring Your Employees Back Into the Office?

by Semify

In the wake of the pandemic, businesses have faced the complex decision of whether to bring employees back into the office. Remote work has proven effective for many organizations, offering increased flexibility and cutting costs. However, in-person collaboration can foster creativity and strengthen company culture, leaving employers questioning the best path forward. This decision is not a simple one-size-fits-all scenario; it requires careful consideration of various factors, including business goals, employee needs, and potential risks. This article explores the goals driving the return-to-office decision, discusses the associated risks, and emphasizes the importance of consulting with employees.

Consider Your Goals Driving a Return-to-Office Decision

Before deciding on a return-to-office policy, organizations must assess their primary objectives. Are they aiming to enhance collaboration, increase accountability, or reinforce company culture? Understanding these goals can provide clarity on whether an office-centric environment is necessary. Although remote work continues to be popular, about 933,000 people in the U.S. use coworking spaces, signaling a persistent demand for shared workspaces.

Additionally, businesses must consider financial implications, as in-office arrangements generally incur higher costs than remote setups. Real estate expenses, utilities, and office supplies are just a few of the factors impacting the company’s bottom line. However, the potential increase in productivity and creativity resulting from in-person collaboration could justify these additional costs.

Another aspect to consider is employee performance and satisfaction. Some employees thrive in office settings, enjoying face-to-face interactions and structured environments. Conversely, others may prefer the autonomy and flexibility that remote work provides. Balancing these preferences with corporate goals is crucial for formulating a successful return-to-office strategy.

Discuss The Risks

Reintegrating employees into the office setting isn’t without its challenges and risks. One concern is the potential health implications for employees. In all U.S. states, approximately one in 25 working-age adults face work limitations attributed to arthritis, and commuting or long hours at a desk may exacerbate these issues.

Moreover, office environments may inadvertently exclude or disadvantage those with disabilities or chronic health conditions, which could lead to reduced job satisfaction and productivity. Employers must weigh these health considerations alongside other factors when strategizing a return to the office.

Furthermore, social inequities may be amplified if a return to traditional work environments is enforced. Some employees may not have the resources or flexibility to commute daily due to financial constraints, childcare responsibilities, or other personal circumstances. Consequently, companies must ensure that their return-to-office policies account for diverse employee needs.

Consult With Employees

Involving employees in the decision-making process is crucial for successful reintegration into the office. Employee feedback can provide valuable insights into preferences and concerns, which are essential for shaping company policy. By engaging in open dialogue, businesses can foster trust and make informed decisions that respect workforce diversity.

Another point to consider is the recent trends in relocation. According to USA Today, 20% of people who moved in 2022 relocated to a new state, potentially affecting their ability to commute to a physical office. Employers should consider these movements when formulating strategies to bring employees back and how remote work could remain beneficial for displaced employees.

Ultimately, aligning corporate goals with employee needs can lead to a balanced, effective return-to-office strategy. Understanding individual employee circumstances, such as those influenced by money-related factors, and recognizing employees as stakeholders in this decision are crucial for success. Thus, considering the perspectives and preferences of employees can enhance morale and lead to more personal and collective organizational growth.

Deciding whether to bring employees back into the office involves a myriad of considerations, including business objectives, risks, and individual employee needs. Balancing these factors requires a nuanced approach, accommodating diverse preferences and health concerns while striving for organizational efficiency and morale. Through careful assessment of goals, acknowledgment of potential risks, and active consultation with employees, companies can navigate these challenges effectively. Ultimately, the decision is not about reverting to a pre-pandemic normal but rather sculpting a new, progressive work environment. Thoughtful deliberation will lead to a strategy that aligns corporate success with employee well-being.