posted by Dana Bate, Field Producer at 3:29 PM on 11/28/08
 Not all of the advice given by financial experts Janet Bodnar and Pam Shortal made it into my story tonight. Here are some other tips they gave that didn’t make it to air but could still be useful to many families:
- Be Age Appropriate. A 3-year-old isn’t going to remember what the holidays were like last year, so you don’t need to explain to him or her that things are going to be different this year. For all intents and purposes, you are starting out fresh. A teenager, however, has probably already heard or read about the downturn in the economy, so you can be more candid about your financial situation. Teenagers who are applying to college will likely understand the future financial strain college tuition will bring. Nevertheless, as Janet Bodnar puts it, “You don’t have to give them chapter and verse of all your finances.”
- Ask Your Kids to Contribute. If there is a gift your child wants that is far beyond what you can or will spend, ask them to contribute a percentage of the cost. Those in middle school and high school can find a host of ways to pick up extra cash (babysitting, raking leaves, etc). Teach them the value of saving and have them pony up some of the money for pricey gifts.
- Have Your Kids Volunteer. Nothing underscores how fortunate you are like volunteering to help those who are truly in need. Spend a morning or afternoon with your child volunteering at a local soup kitchen or shelter, and that Xbox probably won’t seem so essential.
- Narrow the Recipient Pool. Instead of buying small gifts for all of your nieces, nephews and cousins, have everyone pull a name from a hat and buy just one gift for the person you’ve drawn. That way, you probably spend less overall, but can get something much nicer for that one person.
Do you think any of these options – here, or in my story – would work in your household? How are you managing your children’s expectations this holiday season?
Post A Comment
Back To Top
|
-
Bernard Baumohl, Commentator
-
Brigitte Yuille, Blogger
-
Dana Bate, Field Producer
-
Darren Gersh, Washington Bureau Chief
-
Denise Royal, Producer
-
Diane Eastabrook, Chicago Bureau Chief
-
Erika Miller, Correspondent
-
Jack Kahn, Director of Program Development
-
Jaime Danielson, Web Producer
-
Jeff Yastine, Senior Correspondent
-
Lucy Craft, Reporter
-
Mark Landsman, Sr. Assignment Manager
-
Mark Serlin, Commentator
-
Melissa Harmon, Senior Producer
-
Michele Molnar, Videographer/Editor
-
Mike LaBella, Videographer/Editor
-
Nicole Letaw, Associate Producer
-
Paul Kangas, Anchor
-
Rodney Ward, Executive Editor
-
Scott Gurvey, New York Bureau Chief
-
Stephanie Dhue, Correspondent
-
Susie Gharib, Anchor
-
Suzanne Pratt, Senior Correspondent
-
The Intern
-
Wendie Feinberg, Managing Editor
- April 19, 2009 - April 25, 2009
- April 12, 2009 - April 18, 2009
- April 5, 2009 - April 11, 2009
- March 29, 2009 - April 4, 2009
- March 22, 2009 - March 28, 2009
This discussion forum is a place for constructive dialogue. Make sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them.
Inappropriate comments include content that:
- Attempts to influence the price of a stock or other investment
- Is defamatory or libelous
- Is abusive, harassing, or threatening
- Is obscene, vulgar, or profane
- Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive
- Is illegal or encourages criminal acts
- Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution
- Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others
- Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)
- Is off-topic or spam
- Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises
Nightly Business Report does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy.
|
Comments
Les Aventures de Geneviève
.
G: Maman, Est-ce que vous aimez musique?
.
M: Si vous avez de la mauvaise chance, vous exigerez que beaucoup de musiciens partagent votre chance. Si vous avez de la bonne chance vous exigerez que beaucoup de banquiers partagent votre chance.
.
G: Quels précurseurs est-ce que le banquier prospère exige? Est-ce que vous pensez Que je devrais étudier la banque? Qu'est-ce que vous suggéreriez?
.
M: Bonne Chance
Les Aventures de Geneviève
"
She will make a grand Governor someday.
"
"
We do need more gridlock.
"
"
Geneviève, est-ce que vous aimeriez devenir Le Gouverneur de Kansas?
"
"
No. je préfère Illinois.
"
"
Dans Missouri vous pourriez hériter le pouvoir de Royauté.
"
"
Le méfait est plus puissant que mandat.
"
"
Illinois ici nous venons.
"
"
Lequel est-ce que vous avez décidé un que vous aimez?
"
"
Non, mais j'en veux deux!
"
"
Monsieur, does her elevator go all the way to the top?
"
"
She will make a grand Governor someday.
"
"
We do need more gridlock.
"
Les Aventures de Geneviève
"
J'ai espéré que vous ayez adoré la nouvelle soeur. Est-ce que vous aimeriez revenir à l'intérieur de la concession de l'adoption pour un autre coup d'oeil aux bébés, Geneviève?
"
"
Je veux le bébé que mon ami possède. Je veux celui qui pourparlers et dit apportez-moi quelques-uns plus de lait. Je veux le joli bébé de plastique.
"
"
Je vous emmènerai au nouveau négociant.
Les marionnettes sont Nous
Ce n'était pas une longue promenade; Est-ce que c'était? Va au-dedans pour vérifier les prix. Ce marché est chaud et agréable. Lequel est-ce que vous avez décidé un que vous aimez?
"
"
Non, mais j'en veux deux!
"