‘Tis the season for gift-giving, which means a ton of junk ends up in homes all over the world. This year I’m trying to avoid the mess. I give more thoughtful gifts, including experiences and things that can actually be used. Here are a few things I’m considering giving.
Money (with a twist)
There are probably quite a few people in your life who prefer cash to junk, and to make it an even better gift, why not put it in a high-interest savings or investment account for them? Or even invest it for them in something unusual that might tie in with a hobby or interest of theirs. There are some interesting alternative investment options to consider, including things like music rights or fractional art.
Since so many people have financial goals as part of their New Year’s resolutions, a paid subscription to a budgeting app like You need a budget or Rocket money.
Alternatively, you can give a budget planner as a gift, digitally or physically. For those who enjoy journal writing and also want to improve their finances, consider purchasing a copy of Kakeibo, a Japanese-inspired planner and financial journal in one.
Subscriptions
There is a lot of good information available for anyone wanting to learn more about personal finance, but some of it is behind a paywall. If you have a loved one who uses the highly popular Substack app, treat them to a paid subscription to one of the best Substacks for personal finance, like Healthy rich, Money changes everythingor The composite turtle.
If you know they already subscribe to the free version of a particular Substack (or to free content from a personal finance-focused creator), you can purchase an upgrade to the premium content if it has one.
A course, lesson or workshop
There are some great personal finance courses online, or if your giftee is a bit of a furniture maker, you can check out personal classes or workshops in your area.
There may be some about budgeting, investing or starting a side job. It’s just a matter of finding one that matches their current goals and interests.
Books
We’ve talked before here at Wealthtender about how many great personal finance books there are. Consider one that’s really relevant to their stage of life right now, or buy a bundle of a few books that cover different aspects of personal finance. Really committed to cleaning up the mess? You can give almost any book as a gift as an e-book.
Financial guidance
A financial coach is different from a financial advisor (although a session with a specialist financial advisor can also be appreciated). Financial coaching is a bit like life coaching.
Your coach will help you set goals, look at your daily life, and help you develop habits and behaviors that will help you get where you want to be.
Some of these gifts are obviously only suitable for people you are very close to, and it’s definitely worth talking to your friends and family to see if they think this is a gift they could use. But in a season full of clutter, some people will be more than happy to have a premium budgeting app, a financial coaching session, or a helpful subscription that will help them live a more prosperous life in the coming year.
About the author
Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks, and the occasional award-winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications, both online and offline, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine. Learn more about Karen
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