Give Savings: The Gift That Keeps Giving
Gift-giving, especially during the holiday season, can feel overwhelming and very stressful. Every year, we all face the same holiday dilemmas:
What can I buy for my loved ones that’s meaningful and can make a big impact in their lives?
How can I avoid giving gifts that end up in next summer’s garage sale?
Is there a better way to celebrate the season without braving the chaos at crowded malls or scrolling for hours online?
If these questions resonate with you, maybe it’s time to try something different. Instead of wrapping up the same old holiday stand-by gifts, - like yet another tie for dad or an abundance of toys for the little ones - consider giving the gift of financial security. The National Financial Educators Council’s #GiveSavings Campaign offers a unique way to make this holiday season both memorable and meaningful.
What is the Give Savings Campaign?
The NFEC encourages you to prioritize financial security and help their loved ones do the same by participating in the #GiveSavings Campaign. This movement aims to shift holiday spending toward empowering financial futures. By contributing to their savings rather than buying traditional gifts, you show that you care about their long-term goals and financial well-being.
The #GiveSavings campaign officially kicks off on “In the Black Friday”—a day dedicated to reevaluating holiday spending habits and promoting financial health. Unlike its consumer-driven counterpart, Black Friday, "In the Black Friday" focuses on staying financially "in the black” while encouraging others to do the same.
Why Choose Savings Over Stuff?
Avoid the Clutter
How often have you received a gift that you didn’t need or didn’t use? By giving savings, you’re skipping overwhelm and clutter by giving something truly valuable—a financial cushion that can help your loved ones achieve their dreams.Show You Care
A savings contribution isn't just a gift - it's an investment in their future.Encourage Financial Wellness
Every dollar you contribute to someone’s savings can help them take a step closer to their goals, whether that’s paying off debt, saving for a home, building an emergency fund, or saving for college.Ease Your Holiday Stress
No need to fight crowds or scroll endlessly through online deals. Giving savings is simple, impactful, and stress-free.
How to Participate in the #GiveSavings Campaign
Ready to make this holiday season one that truly matters? Here’s how you can join the movement:
Set a Budget
Decide how much you want to spend on gifts this year and allocate a portion of that to the #GiveSavings Campaign.Talk to Your Loved Ones
Explain the concept of #GiveSavings and how it benefits them. Let them know you’re contributing to their financial future because you care.Get Creative with the Presentation
Even though you’re not wrapping a physical gift, you can still make it special. Consider writing a heartfelt note or creating a card that explains how this contribution supports their goals.Encourage Others to Join
Spread the word about the campaign by using the hashtag #GiveSavings on social media. Share your decision to prioritize financial wellness over consumerism and inspire others to follow your lead.
Teach Your Kids Financial Literacy with a Holiday Budgeting Activity
The holiday season is a fantastic opportunity to teach kids about financial literacy. Engage them with a hands-on budgeting activity to evaluate gift-giving options and plan spending thoughtfully.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for a fun and educational activity:
Step 1: Set a Holiday Budget Together
Sit down as a family and decide how much money you’ll spend on holiday gifts this year.
Break the total budget into categories, such as gifts for family, friends, and charitable giving.
Step 2: Brainstorm and Discuss Gift Options
Ask your kids to explore gift ideas for each person on the list.
Discuss the pros and cons of each option. For example:
Physical Gifts: Short-term enjoyment but may lose value over time.
Experiences: Create memories but may be limited to a single event.
Savings Contributions: Help loved ones work toward future goals.
Step 3: Make Decisions as a Team
Guide your kids to weigh the emotional and financial value of each gift idea.
Introduce the concept of giving savings as a way to make a lasting impact.
Step 4: Create a Shopping Plan
Decide how much to spend on each category and stick to it.
For younger kids, use visual aids like pie charts or envelopes to show how the budget is divided
Step 5: Review and Adjust Budget
As purchase and savings gift decisions are made, review and adjust the budget.
The Holiday Gift That Keeps on Giving: 529 Contributions
If you are looking for a meaningful gift idea specifically for children and teens in your life, consider contributing to their college savings plan as part of #GiveSavings Campaign. Contributions are a great investment in education and opportunity. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members can make a lasting impact toward a family's college savings goals.
If an account hasn't been set up yet, you can consult your trusted financial professional for advice or you can contact your state's 529 plan administrator to see if they have a direct plan.
Here's an example of how simple it can be to give the gift of savings in a 529 account. I recently received an email from New York State's 529 College Direct Savings Program offering a personalized code for me to share with my family members so they can directly contribute to my sons' 529 accounts. What a simple and effective way to make giving savings even easier!
The Bottom Line on the #GiveSavings Campaign
The #GiveSavings Campaign isn’t just about saving money—it’s about fostering a culture of financial empowerment. It’s a way to transform the holidays from a season of overspending into a time for investing in what truly matters: the well-being and future of your loved ones.
This year, break away from the cycle of excess and embrace a spirit of giving in a way that lasts. By joining the #GiveSavings Campaign, you're not just giving gifts - you're creating opportunities, inspiring financial wellness, and showing genuine care for your loved ones' futures.
Let's transform the holidays from a season of spending into a time for investing in what truly matters. Whether it's a contribution to savings, a lesson in budgeting for your kids, or a 529 gift for education, make it a season to remember for all the right reasons.
Join the #GiveSavings movement today and celebrate the season with purpose and impact.
