Tax Smart Advisors LLC’s Post

Today is National Make a Difference Day!   The holiday season is approaching. During this season, consider what giving and making an impact on those around you truly means and the choices afforded to you.   Take time to plan your holiday gifts to make a difference. Whether it's a thoughtful gesture or a meaningful gift, let's make this holiday season one to remember.   #MakeADifferenceDay #HolidayGifting #PositiveImpact #HolidaySeason #GiftGiving #PlaymakerCoaching 

Today is National Make a Difference Day!   The holiday season is approaching. During this season, consider what giving and making an impact on those around you truly means and the choices afforded to you.   Take time to plan your holiday gifts to make a difference. Whether it's a thoughtful gesture or a meaningful gift, let's make this holiday season one to remember.   #MakeADifferenceDay #HolidayGifting #PositiveImpact #HolidaySeason #GiftGiving #PlaymakerCoaching 

Have you ever asked your child what the other parent got them for Christmas, only to feel a twinge of irritation or defeat because your gift was simpler? It happens... But here's what you can do: Before gift-giving occasions roll around, have a quick chat with your co-parent. It’s not about competition or outdoing each other; it’s about making those moments special for your child. You could even consider coordinating gifts or setting a 'gift budget' to keep things balanced and joyful. Remember, the value of a gift isn't in its price tag but in the love and thought behind it. So keep those spirits high and make every occasion a win-win for the most important person in the equation—your child.

Grandparents! You can be so much more than “pretty sure” your holiday gifts will be enjoyed and appreciated. You can be absolutely certain! GiftingSense.org and the DIMS - DOES IT MAKE SENSE?® SCORE Calculator can help - at no cost. We’re a free public good! 💡   The purpose of a gift is to make the receiver feel cherished. However, one can’t feel cherished if they don’t feel heard. Which is why asking people what they might like to receive is such an important part of the gift-giving process. It’s an honest attempt to listen to them. 🙉   If you’re a grandparent, you have two ways to hear your grandkids: You can go to the source or their parents—that is, your children.   If your children or grandchildren suggest a winter holiday gift you don’t love, of course, it’s your right to go in a different direction. But understand you’re losing an opportunity to make your family feel heard and cherished. 💔   If a wish list item is too expensive, consider crowdfunding with other family members—what about the other set of grandparents or out-of-town aunts and uncles?   We’ve been teaching young people to think before they buy for nine years, and we promise that when kids are given the chance to slow down and really look at a spend, they spend differently!   “What can I get you that you’ll really enjoy and appreciate?” That simple question is the easiest way to avoid disappointment, reduce waste, improve family harmony, and protect the planet.   #BeSure #HappyHolidays #BestGiftEver #GiveMoneySmartz #GrandkidGiftGuide #spendingspeedbump

It's now officially 30 days till Christmas, and if you haven't already started budgeting and put money aside for the big day then this is your timely reminder to begin doing so. Too many people get themselves into unnecessary financial difficulty over the one big day. That includes wedding days too. I will never understand why people put themselves through such regret in financial strife for a long period of time for just 1 day. Think of it like taking a delicious drink enjoying that drink. But unfortunately not for long because that experience is tainted by the bitter after taste, which leaves a negative memory and spoils the memory of the drink. Do you think about cause-and-effect? If I do X will that equal Y .. I was never very good at algebra but I think you get the point. Think about every decision you make. Will it have a positive or negative effect in short or long-term for you and your family bank balance? As a Stress-management Coach I encourage my clients to look at the bigger picture when making small or big purchases. Often financial difficulties arise from all those little purchases that mount up. Do you think about reuse and recycle? If you have too much of the xmas decorations why not donate some to those that can't afford to but would like to when celebrating Christmas with their family so they don't feel the pressure to keep up with the Joneses. Just a thought..

Corollary: If you as a recruiter do not find a candidate as a fit, Refer them to a position in your network where they might fit.

Food: Giving Thanks...to Whom? Growing up in an Irish Catholic household, our family grace was always, “Bless us, Oh Lord, for these gifts…” But as a mother to two thoughtful boys, I started to reflect on how that prayer felt out of place. I began to wonder what I truly wanted to instill in them about our relationship with food. Recognizing the Value of Food I want my boys to appreciate the significance of food. Many people don’t have the luxury of deciding what to eat for dinner or even if they’ll have dinner at all. I grew up hearing, “There are starving children in the world; finish your plate.” While that sentiment has faded, I want my boys to understand their privilege regarding food and to recognize that many struggle to access nourishing meals. I hope they will take action against food inequity whenever possible. Thank you for this food. Gratitude for Every Contributor It’s essential for my boys to express gratitude for every person involved in bringing food to our table. From farmers to truck drivers to grocery store employees, the list can be extensive! By reflecting on the countless individuals who contribute to the simple act of eating, they gain a deeper appreciation for each meal. As children, we explored this process in depth, and now that they are older, we acknowledge all who helped us receive this food. Thank you to everyone who made this meal possible. Awareness of Our Community I want my boys to recognize their connection to a larger community: a county, a country, a world. Our food choices can have ripple effects, influencing both people and the planet. It’s our responsibility to help others when they are in need and to make choices that are healthy for the Earth. May all eat well. Creating a world where everyone is nourished requires collective effort and awareness. It calls for moments of grace where we reflect on the bigger picture, fostering gratitude for what we have while motivating us to support others. Here’s our new grace as teenagers: “Thank you for this food. Thank you to everyone who helped bring it to us, and may all eat this well.” #gratitude #foodasmedicine #appreciatinglife #givingthanks

Have you ever asked your child what the other parent got them for Christmas, only to feel a twinge of irritation or defeat because your gift was simpler? It happens... But here's what you can do: Before gift-giving occasions roll around, have a quick chat with your co-parent. It’s not about competition or outdoing each other; it’s about making those moments special for your child. You could even consider coordinating gifts or setting a 'gift budget' to keep things balanced and joyful. Remember, the value of a gift isn't in its price tag but in the love and thought behind it. So keep those spirits high and make every occasion a win-win for the most important person in the equation—your child.

How generous and thoughtful. Please help if you can

Does holiday spending have you clutching your wallet? 💳 Whether it’s saving up for gifts, secret Santa at school, or deciding between avocado toast and a savings account (looking at you, teens), ask yourself: Am I spending for joy or out of pressure? Generosity comes in all shapes and sizes—sometimes the best gifts are the ones that don’t come with a receipt. Let’s figure out how to keep holiday spending joyful—not stressful. 📞 904-853-5478 | 🌐 www.jaxbchcounseling.com #BelieveChangeHope #HealingULovingU #JaxBchCounseling #HolidayBudgeting #StressFreeGifting #MentalHealthMatters