He who turns his back to the crowd is often at the head of it. Old Chinese saying

 


     Old Chinese saying

 

 

What is the point of all the Holiday shopping and sharing? Why do we bother? What do we want to accomplish with all those gifts and stocking stuffers? When did the Holidays spirit turn into a dangerous spending spree?

Can you initiate the discussion with your family and friends about meaningful spending and truly celebrating the people in your life, without the money hangover in January?

Can you be the voice of reason? Are they maybe waiting for you to make the first move?

The discussion should not be about being cheap or breaking with traditions. On the contrary: you are generous and thoughtful, you love traditions and you want to celebrate the people around you.

The conversation may be about the meaning of friendship and how to express that without spending crazy money, about how you want to share the spirit of giving with the important people in your life.

Invite them to ask something from you that is not for sale in a store.  And in return, suggest what you would like to receive from them.

Don’t ignore the money pits in your stomach on Black Friday and the weeks after. They are telling you to become creative and financially responsible, honoring tradition at the same time.

My money whisper for today:

Choose between the pain of initiating that conversation with your family and the pain of your finances in January

November 2010.

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