Gift Guide 2015: Getting off the Hedonic Treadmill

Wondering what to give your loved ones when they are fortunate enough to have what they need and capable enough to go get what they want? Or, perhaps, thinking of what you can get to treat yo'self during the holiday season?

Habit

Self-improvement - I'm a little obsessed. I'm continually trying to form good habits and stopping bad ones (or at least, forming more good habits to outnumber the bad ones!). They might be habits that aren't visible/obvious to other people but still have an impact on my productivity and well-being.

Here's an article to stop a bad habit, and an article to start some good ones:

On stopping self-criticism: small answers (love this blog)
I love how it's called "The Itty Bitty Shitty Committee" ha! Amy Poehler also had some great stuff to say about quieting "the demon voice" in her fabulous book.

10 Better Money Habits for 2015: lifehacker
cuz i'm a groowwwwn woman:

What I Gave in 2014: Charities

This post could also be named, Trying to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

I looked back at my charitable giving this year and here is what my wallet supported:


Social Justice:

• Southern Poverty Law Center: The tragedies around Michael Brown and Eric Garner made me want to support an organization that is fostering tolerance and understanding. 

Health:

• The SAMFund - I was introduced to this organization at work. They are the only charity in the country that gives direct support to young adult cancer survivors. They are pretty small (~$200K in annual grants) but growing and after meeting several survivors who received SAMFund grants, it's really evident how much impact this organization has. 
• ALS Association - Yup, did this through the Ice Bucket Challenge, but learned more about ALS along the way.

Friends' Fundraisers:

• (health) A cancer-research fundraiser brought on by the death of a friend-of-a-friend a couple years ago. When twentysomething who was beautiful inside and out dies from a senseless disease, and when her friends honor her memory by raising money for research, you give.
• (health) AIDS/Lifecycle - A friend took on this cycling challenge that supports California AIDS/HIV organizations. Seeing them go through the months-long training to raise awareness for the cause was inspiring.
• (aid) Oxfam - Another friend was part of a 100km relay walk to support international development

Schools:

• Both my undergrad and graduate schools keep calling me, and I won't stop giving them, but I'll probably give minimally from now on.

I'm using this list to consider what I'll give to next year and how to be more strategic about it, including how to fit giving in with my other financial goals of paying off my loans and saving money for 'the future'.

Saving for Travel

Sometimes saving money is easier when there is a specific, short-term goal in mind. For some people, it’s an object like a new TV or pair of shoes. For me, it’s a big trip somewhere in the world. Spontaneous day or weekend trips are one thing, but I plan major travel with enough time in advance to save some funds. Here are some tips:

• Break it up into chunks: paying off airfare, then saving money for the hotels, then food, then spending money


• If you want, combine the food budget & spending money into a “cost per day”


• Estimate a “cost per day” budget for your destination by checking travel guides or websites


• Keep the money in a savings account, charge your hotels to a credit card with good rewards, and pay off the entire balance when you get back


• Bonus points for keeping a designated online savings account with a fun name like “jetsetter” or “best trip ever”


• Remember to call your bank/credit card company & alert them you’ll be using your card overseas


• Consider where you want to be frugal (buy lots of souvenirs, or take lots of photos?) and where you want to splurge (fancy dinner?) - it’s an extension of how you spend money normally


• Think of how great it would feel knowing your trip is paid for rather than racking up debt


• Enjoy your trip!