I took the lesson to heart. As a child, I would hand out “experience” gifts — like an offer to spend quality time with someone or a voucher to do a chore. As I got older, I got more creative.

For my parents’ recent 50th wedding anniversary, I wrote them an original song to a Beatles tune and arranged for their nine grandchildren to sing it to them. They loved it so much they were crying happy tears — and it cost me only my time, not money.

Last year, I used a digital illustrator on Etsy to turn a family photo into a Regency-era portrait because my mom loves Jane Austen. It was another hit and cost less than $50.

This holiday spending season, I have my eye on a custom play. Etsy seller TinyPlayScripts writes personalized plays based on the recipient’s interests for $30. I’m also considering hosting a night of Regency-inspired “parlor games” — typically involving word play or cards — as a gift for my mom.

Personalizing gifts based on what you know about the recipient and your relationship with them can save a lot of money during this gift-giving season. In fact, I think it’s one of the most under-utilized holiday budgeting strategies.

Consumers are planning to spend a hefty $890 on average this year on holiday gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items, according to the National Retail Federation. This technique could go a long way toward reining in overspending.

I asked my fellow Nerds to share some of their money-saving suggestions for gift giving:

Turn to thrifting

Writer Amanda Barroso knew she had to approach the holiday season differently after seeing tariffs and inflation drive up prices across many toy categories.

Months before the holiday season started, she started checking out consignment sales and secondhand shops for her two young children’s Christmas gifts. So far, she’s thrifted dress-up outfits, a learning game, books and more. She estimates she’s saved around $250.

“Thrifting has become a fun hobby for me. I love sifting through the racks, trying to find the perfect thing. And I’ve found toys I never would have considered otherwise,” she says.

Buy someone’s groceries for them

Whenever her friends bring home newborns, content coordinator Jessica Cano skips the customary baby gift and delivers bags full of groceries instead.

She opts for easy-to-prepare foods like bagels and frozen meals along with staples like bread.

“I feel like our friends have been more grateful with these items than with another pair of PJs or baby blankets,” she says.

Celebrate a memory

For her first wedding anniversary, writer Lauren Schwahn had a custom 520-piece puzzle made for her husband. It was a collage of four photos: one from their wedding day and one from each of the three cities they visited on their honeymoon.

It cost just $35 and gave them a way to savor those memories without falling victim to “giftflation.” It also turned out to be a fun way to spend time together.

“It came in handy when we were stuck inside one day due to bad wildfire smoke,” she says.

Grow something beautiful

Over the summer, writer Abby Badach Doyle planned her garden around flowers that are easy to dry and preserve — like strawflowers, celosia and globe amaranth. She included herbs like lavender, rosemary and sage, too.

She had noticed some local flower farms selling similar bouquets and thought to herself, “I could do that!”

This year, her girlfriends are receiving gifts straight from her garden: custom herb and flower bundles dressed up with a dried orange slice for a chic, budget-friendly flourish.

“I love having a stash of homegrown blooms in the attic to ‘shop’ when I need a quick, thoughtful gift for neighbors, drop-in visitors or party hosts,” she says.

Donate to a meaningful cause

Editor Karrin Sehmbi makes charitable donations in honor of family members in lieu of physical gifts. She chooses a few organizations that feel meaningful, writes up a description of the charity and shares it with an e-card.

“There’s no need to disclose the amount donated and it’s always appreciated,” she says.

She says her family is full of animal lovers. “So we almost always have an animal-related organization in the mix,” she adds.

One year, that included sponsoring a goat named Pixie. The gift was unique, meaningful and certainly memorable.

The post The Nerds Share Tips for Memorable, Budget-Friendly Gifts appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

When I shared personal finance lessons with a kindergarten class recently, the students had one question I wasn’t prepared to answer: How should they fit donating money to others into their financial plans?

I had been so focused on explaining the basics of budgeting that I overlooked this central question about how we can help others, especially as the holidays approach.

It turns out deciding how much of our budget to allocate to giving isn’t always straightforward. Charity varies widely by person and income levels.

“Some clients are very charitably-inclined and others not so much,” says John Jones, a certified financial planner and investment advisor representative at Heritage Financial in Newberry, Florida. The decision to give can be influenced by many aspects, from religious beliefs to the potential tax deductions.

But financial experts do offer some guideposts on how to weigh charitable donations against other financial demands.

First, examine your overall financial picture

Before settling on a donation goal, Erin Lowry, author of the “Broke Millennial” book series, suggests taking a close look at your own financial picture.

Review your financial goals — any debt, liabilities such as a mortgage or student loans and cash flow needs. “If you feel you are in a financially healthy place and are ready to increase how you give to charity, that’s wonderful,” she adds.

There’s no target percentage that works for everyone, so consider choosing an amount that fits into your budget without causing additional stress, Lowry says. “I just want to make sure you’re not putting yourself further into debt while financially helping others,” she adds.

Once you know what you can give, Lowry suggests donating consistently to reputable organizations that mean a lot to you, such as a local food pantry. This will help you plan ahead.

She also suggests setting some money aside for requests that pop up throughout the year.

Choose recipients carefully

But you want that hard-earned money you’ve set aside to go somewhere you trust.

Scammers often target charity-minded people with fake websites or calls for donations, especially after high-profile events like natural disasters.

“Always vet things before you donate to make sure it’s legitimate, especially before you click on any links,” Lowry says.

Websites like GuideStar.org and CharityNavigator.org make it easy to search for organizations to confirm their legitimacy, and it doesn’t take long to check.

Explore donating in non-financial ways, too

To help others without adding strain to your own budget, Lowry suggests looking into non-financial ways of donating, like giving your time.

“Sometimes we get really fixated on financially contributing to causes and we forget there are other ways we can help, too,” she says.

Volunteering in-person with an organization, contributing items to a community pantry or signing up for virtual, skill-based volunteer gigs on charity sites can also go a long way toward the greater good.

Focus on budgeting the rest of your money

For those who plan to give financially, it’s important to consider how charity fits into your overall budget, says Brenton D. Harrison, CFP and host of the podcast, “New Money, New Problems.”

If someone is committed to donating 10% of their income for religious reasons, then he doesn’t question that decision. Instead, he talks about what that means for the rest of their financial goals.

That might mean brainstorming long-term savings goals, making sure you have an emergency fund in place and aligning your budget with something like the 50/30/20 rule to guide spending.

He wants clients to make sure they are also paying down their own debts and have taken out sufficient insurance policies.

Consider the tax implications

Consider how donating can help you minimize taxes, even if that isn’t your primary reason for giving. There are strategies, for example, that can help your money go farther.

“Personally, I tithe monthly but pay once every two years for tax reasons,” Jones says.

As he explains, if you plan to donate $10,000 a year, then grouping two donations in the same year, say on Jan 1 and Dec. 31, takes the annual total to $20,000 and could enable you to claim a higher tax deduction than what the standard deduction may provide ($15,750 for single filers), even though you will still have donated the same amount in total.

You can also consider donating through a donor-advised fund or, if you are over the age of 70 and a half, making contributions directly from your IRA to further minimize taxes. A tax professional can help you navigate the nuances and the IRS website also offers helpful guidance.

While it’s tempting to donate small amounts throughout the year whenever asked by friends and family, Harrison encourages people to take time to plan ahead, too.

“Tax deductions can be a strategy,” he says, so you can save money and do good at the same time.

I think the kindergarteners I spoke to would approve of a plan to do good, even if they don’t understand the taxes part yet.

The post How to Fit Charitable Giving Into Your Budget appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

But there are strategies that can help you maintain a sense of control over your own money — even when the financial news headlines are unsettling.

Here are six techniques to consider:

1. Explore the source of stress

If you notice yourself feeling tension around money, Denver-based financial therapist Wendy Wright suggests first considering what is stirring up those feelings.

“Is it connected to fears, sadness, feeling pressed to look at something you’re trying to avoid?” asks Wright.

Sometimes, she says, people avoid thinking about their personal finances until something in the news forces them to confront the topic, which feels uncomfortable.

If clients tell her that the news is a big source of stress, Wright reminds them that news is a form of entertainment and often designed to hook people into watching more “whether or not it has any bearing on their life.”

In some cases, she says, it’s best to just limit your intake.

2. Ground yourself in the moment

A sensory activity can help you connect with the present moment instead of focusing on what can go wrong in the future, says Nathan Astle, a certified financial therapist and founder of the Financial Therapy Clinical Institute in Kansas City.

He suggests this one: Name five things you see, four colors you see, three things you hear, two things you can smell or taste and one thing you can touch. Next, touch that item and describe it. Then, reflect on how the exercise made you feel — hopefully calmer than you did before.

Deep breathing and scanning your body for different sensations can have similar soothing effects, he adds.

3. Focus on your own numbers

A closer look at your own finances can also help you regain a sense of control, Wright says. She suggests starting with a handful of the most important numbers in your financial life, such as your income, expenses and savings.

From there, she suggests building a financial plan that includes goals and room for adjustments when circumstances change. For example, you might make a plan to turn to short-term savings while job hunting if you were to lose your job.

“If your plan is in place, then you know what adjustments to make and you can breathe through it,” she says.

4. Align your intentions with action

Naming your goals, or intentions, can help you firm up a plan, Wright says.

“My intention might be, ‘I don’t want to run out of money,’” she says. The related action might be, ‘Let me get to know my numbers.’

“It helps give you clarity on what your next steps will be,” Wright says.

As you work through these steps, it’s important to approach the process with zero judgement.

“Money stuff is typically not solved in an afternoon, so having compassion around that is super important,” Wright says

5. Make big decisions when you’re calm

It’s generally best to wait until you feel calm before making any big financial decisions, Astle says.

“Give yourself time between the emotional stimulus and the actual decision-making,” he says, whether it’s deciding to rebalance your retirement accounts or order a new product online.

“Most financial decisions are emotional, so we want to make them in a somewhat calm or calmer state,” he adds.

6. Aim to pay down debt while growing savings and income

Paying down debt, saving for an emergency fund and having insurance policies can help protect you and your family during times of economic uncertainty, says Nicole B. Simpson, certified financial planner and founder of Harvest Wealth Financial in Piscataway, N.J.

Simpson suggests considering starting your own business or taking on a side gig if you find you need to increase your income.

When it comes to wealth accumulation, a slow and steady pace can help you get closer to your goals, as well as weather any financial storms that come your way.

The post 6 Ways to Reduce Financial Stress During Uncertain Times appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Consumers will likely see the most immediate impact on categories like food, where the cost of price increases tends to get passed on directly, says Duleep Rodrigo, U.S. consumer and retail sector leader at KPMG, a professional audit, tax and advisory services firm.

Other products, like household goods, experience a more subdued impact, he says.

“The manufacturer or retailer may decide they want to absorb some of those price increases,” Rodrigo says.

He adds that in the current economic environment, consumers are very price-sensitive, which makes retailers hesitant to pass on the full brunt of any tariff-driven price hike.

While shoppers might not have much control over prices, there are steps they can take to minimize any impact on their own bottom lines.

Here’s how to adjust your shopping habits in an era of tariffs:

1. Prepare your budget for price increases

“You need a budget more than ever,” says Andrea Woroch, a money saving expert who shares budgeting tips on her website, andreaworoch.com.

A budget, she says, gives you more control over how you’re spending to help counteract the uncertainty over the impact of tariffs.

A budget can take the form of an online budget calculator, an envelope-based tracking system or a budget app to help you track expenses.

“Without a spending plan, it’s easy to overspend and rack up debt,” Woroch says.

To get started, she suggests tracking your spending and allotting different amounts to categories such as food, clothing and personal care. You can make adjustments as you go, particularly if prices go up.

At the same time, setting aside money for an emergency fund can make it easier to absorb temporary price increases without needing to take on additional credit card debt.

2. Compare prices and seek discounts

Look for sales, compare prices between retailers and leverage tools like coupon websites to find discounts and cash-back offers, suggests Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, where she provides shopping tips. She adds that using a credit card that offers rewards or cash back can also help stretch your dollars.

If you’re in the market for consumer electronics or appliances, you might consider buying refurbished items through retailers that offer certification — meaning it’s been inspected and authenticated — and warranties, Woroch says. Checking for “like new” used options when shopping on Amazon can often result in high-quality products for lower prices.

Resale websites such as Poshmark or SidelineSwap can also offer attractive deals on gently used items, and allow you to earn extra cash by selling products, Woroch adds. Using this method, she was recently able to sell some old toys and clothing and then use her earnings to purchase used skis for her daughter without tapping into savings.

3. Resist pressure to spend early and often

While consumers may feel pressure to make big purchases, like a new car, as soon as possible before tariffs drive prices up any further, that could be the wrong move, says Meir Statman, professor of finance at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.

“People don’t always pause and ask whether they actually need it,” says Statman, who is also the author of “A Wealth of Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Finance.”

He adds that buying more than you need can create other costs. If you stock up on beef for a deep freezer, for example, you have to pay for the electricity to keep it frozen. If you buy and store wine for an upcoming wedding months in advance, you might decide you want a different type by the time the big day arrives.

“There is no product I can think of that you should rush out and buy now,” Statman says.

Instead, he suggests, consumers should keep an eye on prices and only make purchases when truly needed.

Get more content from NerdWallet on Rough Draft.

The post How to shop amid tariff uncertainty appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Subscription cancellation headaches are so common that the Federal Trade Commission recently took action to ease the process: In a rule that fully goes into effect later this year, sellers must make it as easy to cancel their subscription as it was to sign up.

The FTC says that it received about 70 consumer complaints a day in 2024 about recurring subscriptions, up from 42 per day in 2021.

“Companies are on notice that they have to clean up their act,” says Chuck Bell, financial policy advocate at Consumer Reports.

In the meantime, consider these four tips for canceling subscriptions.

Search using the company’s name

Bell says conducting a web search using the company’s name, such as, “how do I cancel my subscription for x,’ can lead to specific tips for reaching the right contact number. “Other people might have had that problem in the past and you might find a point of contact,” he says.

Getting beyond a chatbot and finding the right person is often the first step to resolving these types of problems, he says.

More from NerdWallet on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Escalate the complaint

If you continue to struggle with canceling, Bell suggests going to a more senior person at the company, posting on social media about the problem (and tagging the company) or filing a complaint with federal or state regulators. The FTC, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and your state’s attorney general’s office all collect consumer complaints, though in some cases they are looking for trends rather than following up individual circumstances.

You can also file complaints with the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit that collects and shares business complaints and reviews and works to resolve them directly with each company.

The BBB complaint process is free (as is filing complaints with the government agencies noted above) and can take up to 30 days to resolve, says Melanie McGovern, national spokesperson. The Better Business Bureau accepts complaints on companies of all kinds, even those not currently listed on its website, bbb.org.

“If you’re hitting a brick wall, come to the BBB,” McGovern says.

Ask your bank or credit card issuer for help

If you’ve already tried working directly with the company and failed to cancel the subscription, then Bell suggests disputing the charge with your credit card issuer or filing a “stop payment” order with your bank.

“It’s a hassle for you,” Bell adds. You often have to call your financial institution then follow a process for documenting the problem, he says. Plus, the bank might charge a fee, so use this method as a last resort.

Keep a paper trail and use your personal email address

To avoid getting stuck with a subscription that’s hard to cancel because you no longer have access to an old work email address, like the Reddit user experienced, McGovern suggests using your personal email for personal subscriptions.

She also suggests providing a back-up email address or phone number if the company asks for one, so you have another way of verifying your identity if needed.

“Cancelling can be a process, so keep good records,” McGovern adds, referring to all the communication you receive from the company when you first sign up.

Saving those emails in a folder labeled “subscriptions” can make finding them a little easier when you need them.

Reddit is an online forum where users share their thoughts in “threads” on various topics. The popular site includes plenty of discussion on financial subjects like [topic – e.g., life insurance], so we sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about [providers and products – e.g., insurers]. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.

The post Is there an easier way to cancel subscriptions? appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.