Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of Us
Do you give a Christmas gift to any of the service providers in your life? According to a survey from Consumer Reports, those most likely to receive a gift are child-care providers and housekeepers. Those least likely to receive something are garbage/recycling collectors and fitness trainers. The magazine pointed out that it's good to know the rules of the road when giving to service providers. For example, postal carriers are not supposed to accept cash or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash. However, they can accept non-cash gifts valued at $20 or less. Before giving to your children's teachers, the magazine recommends touching base with your school district's office or PTA.
Matt's View
While acknowledging those who provide valuable services is a nice touch, no one should feel obligated to go overboard (or over budget) in doing so. A simple thank you card is appropriate. Or, consider organizing a group gift, such as a gift for your children's teachers. It'll likely cost less per person than buying individual gifts.
Managing Money by The Book
- "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
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