Are You Financially Thankful?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is a great time to see old friends and gather with loved ones. Good food and football describe thanksgiving for a lot of Americans, but it also can provide time to reflect on the blessings of this past year. There are many things that may come to mind when you think of the happy moments from this past year. Reflecting on the opportunities you had this year, like,  sending your children to college, being able to take time off to go on vacation or taking care of a sick parent, opening up your home to someone in need, or helping with a grandchild. All of these small and large things can put into perspective the many blessings you may have. When you are able to put things into perspective you can see just how many blessings you were able to collect this year. But, how can you share these blessings with others?  How do you plan to give back this year? Below are a few ideas to help bless others this Thanksgiving season.

1. Invite someone in: Do you know a lonely neighbor? Someone who has experienced a recent loss? A friend whose family lives too far away? If this person is alone for the holidays, invite him or her into your home for Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Help out at a local food bank with your kids. This can help teach you and your children and grandchildren valuable lessons on helping those in need. Click Here to see where you can volunteer in your area: https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/volunteer
3. You can give gloves, scarfs, jackets, or boots you no longer wear to a homeless shelter as well as old towels or blankets to an animal shelter near you http://www.goodwill.org/locator/
4. Pay it forward. You can show how thankful you are for what you have, whether you buy someone’s Starbucks behind you, send a thoughtful text, or let someone go ahead of you in line. Read about how a Starbucks had a record number of people pay it forward. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/08/21/378-people-pay-it-forward-at-fla-starbucks/14380109/

There are many ways to share your blessings, take time this Thanksgiving season to talk with your loved ones about how together you would like to give back. Find a generosity method that works best for you! Being openhanded can go a long way and can be a great way to share your blessings with others.