overnight stay or one-day experience. You can also let your loved one indulge in a solo vacation if that’s what they would enjoy. Join the Thrill-Seekers Zip lining, bungee jumping, or skydiving are options for adults of all ages, including the elderly. More and more of those in their golden years are finding excitement later in life by trying new things outside their comfort zones. It’s not for everyone, but with an open mind and a sense of adventure, an adrenaline rush might be the perfect Christmas gift for someone you love. Make a Memory Whether it’s a custom cribbage board, a hand-thrown your donations aren’t lining the pockets of criminals. Never Give by Phone or Email. Charities regularly reach out to past and potential donors through traditional mail, email, phone calls, or text messages. This means fraudsters will mimic their approach with less noble intentions. Because it’s impossible to determine who is on the other end of a call or email, you should never hand over your credit card information to strangers. If you really are speaking to a representative from a legitimate charity, they will direct you to a secure avenue where you can give without worry. Feeling Pressured? Walk Away. A lot of charities set goals they want to reach before the new year, but even groups that are hoping to raise a certain amount of money know better than to pressure donors into giving. Donations should always come from the heart, and it’s a bad
sign if someone insists there’s a deadline for giving. As the Better Business Bureau says, “Responsible organizations will welcome your gift tomorrow as much as they do today.” Only Give to Reputable Charities. Do some research before donating to charities. Look up any prospective charity on Charity Navigator at CharityNavigator.org. This service flags “high concern” organizations suspected of fraud and ranks how reliable established charities are. Even legitimate organizations can be misleading about how they spend their donations. A good rule of thumb is to avoid organizations that spend more than 25 percent of donations on salaries or administrative costs. There are many amazing charities and organizations that do good work. Stay vigilant to make sure you are bringing joy to the world and not falling for a criminal looking to make a quick buck.
During the season of giving, charities receive a much-needed rush of donations as people open their hearts to others. Unfortunately, criminals are all too willing to abuse this goodwill. According to a report from the Justice Department, Americans over the age of 60 lose over $3 billion a year to scams and fraudsters. As charity scams reach their peak, here’s what you need to do to ensure
Experiences Are Greater Than Gifts Give Memories This Holiday Season
Everyone gives gifts this time of year, but are materialistic presents the best way to show your loved ones how much you care? Here are three experiences that make the perfect gifts and might be better than any object you could put under the tree. Schedule a Staycation A staycation provides the perfect solution if you’re looking for prime relaxation on a budget. Pick a destination anywhere within 140 miles of your front door, find a simple activity that you and your loved one would find relaxing, and schedule it. You don’t need to travel far or plan for months. You could schedule a nearby spa retreat or a wine tour, and then choose to make it an
salad bowl, or a handmade art piece, creating something special with a loved one is the best way to give a tangible gift while having a fun experience. Many crafting places will allow you and your loved one to design a personalized creation, which may flourish into a new hobby for you both. If you’re struggling to come up with the right gift, consider giving an experience instead. In the future, it won’t be the next iPhone or fancy handbag you remember; it’ll be the memories you make with others.
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