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Ways To Give Back During The Holidays

November 7, 2018 ‘Tis the season of giving! You’re ready to put your purchasing power to work snagging the best gifts for your loved ones, but have you considered how much you’ll spend to help those you don’t know? The holidays are a great time to give back to your community, so in the spirit of giving, here are a few ways you can make the world a better place and give back this holiday season. Donate Time Giving back doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. You can donate your time to help those around you. For example, soup kitchens and homeless shelters are always looking for volunteers to distribute food and supplies, especially during the holidays. Another option is to bring your pet to a senior center. You’ll get a chance to spend quality time with elderly residents while they enjoy the company of your four-legged friend. To show your thanks for the service of others, you could try writing some holiday cards for active military and veterans. And while you’re dedicating time to those you don’t know, take a moment for those close to you. Offering up a night of babysitting or a home-cooked meal can go a long way for an overworked family member. Even shoveling your neighbor’s sidewalk is sure to spread holiday cheer! Donate Goods It’s easy to donate goods without spending a lot of extra cash. As you hit the grocery store this holiday season, try to purchase one or two extra non-perishable goods. Pantries are always looking for nutritious options like whole grain pasta or peanut butter, in addition to toiletries such as toilet paper, shampoo, soap and toothpaste. You can also check your pantries and closets at home for anything you may not have used in the last few months. Another idea is teaming up with friends and family to pool your extras into care packages for those in need. You can distribute these packages to shelters or give them to individuals you know who may need extra support during the holidays. Donate Money There’s always the option to donate money, which is convenient because it saves you time and effort. If you’re the type of person who keeps a coin jar around the house, consider cashing it in and donating what you’ve saved. It’s rewarding to see the change in your pockets going toward changing someone’s life. Or instead of swapping gifts with a friend, donate to a charity in their name. If you’re committed to supporting a cause you care about, plan ahead and make room in your budget for a year-end gift. And don’t forget that many charitable donations are tax deductible! You might also be interested in Are you struggling to come up with the perfect New Year’s resolution? Here are three great reasons why focusing on your finances should be a priority this year! Simple, everyday choices can reduce consumption and our impact on the environment. Learn ways to be more eco-friendly…and your spending at the same time! The holidays can be stressful & that’s why it’s important to prioritize your self-care. Use these tips to reduce stress without draining your bank account. Caring for your furry friends can add up! Learn how to manage the costs of owning a pet & unwanted expenses without compromising on quality for your animal. As you prepare for this new chapter of your life as a parent, make sure you are saving to cover the costs of having a baby with our financial planning checklist. You know regular exercise and smarter eating will make you look better, feel better, and get you in shape for your high school reunion (ok, not the best reason but, hey, if it inspires you, go for it!). But has the cost of health club memberships, workout apparel and organic produce got you thinking you have to choose between paying the mortgage and improving your heart health? Guess what? It doesn’t, thanks to these five easy tips. Using less energy is good for the environment and it can help you save money on your monthly bills. Try these tips to reduce your energy use around the house. Did you resolve to make this the year you took charge of your finances?  It’s crazy to think that the year is almost halfway over, but, hey, it is! Which means it’s the perfect time to take stock of how you’re doing on managing your finances. Does just thinking about health care costs give you a headache? We feel your pain! But don’t worry. We have a six-step, cost-management plan that could have you feeling better in no time. 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