Special Gifts From Those on a Budget
Ann, Myrl's neighbor, has THE cleverest idea for dealing with the financial changes that most of us are experience. She's seen the through all the materialism of our society, and focused on what is truy important. What a great grandmother and mother! jroosevelt@kw.com
Without a doubt, there are many seniors, who have entered retirement in recent years. They may not have foreseen home values being cut in half, and wiping out a chunk of equity. Nor did they likely predict the Wall Street debacle which would decimate a good portion of their 401K and retirement accounts. Add to it rising gas and food prices, and you can see many of those thinking they would be comfortably set in their “golden years” are having second thoughts about their financial security.
A neighbor was sharing a conversation with me on her front lawn this morning which brought it all into perspective. Ann has 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren. As she raked a few weeds away from a flower garden, she talked about the past. When her children and grandchildren celebrated their birthdays, she had always provided nice gifts to all. But because retirement funds were not as robust as they had once been, she had really needed to cut back!
However, Ann is a wonderful grandmother, who is also very resourceful. So while she may not be able to spend as much as she once did on gifts, she has managed to still buy smaller items, BUT with a very important addition. In the birthday cards she gives to the grandchildren, she includes little coupons she has created. Something that she knows the kids will think are special. It may be a little special time with grandma, baking cookies, or perhaps going to see a special movie. Ann also provides great back rubs, so those too, show up on her coupons. Just a little something to supplement the smaller purchased gift.
I couldn’t help but think Ann’s idea was a wonderful one worthy of being shared.
Here’s an example of Ann’s coupons.
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