Holidays

New Year’s Traditions to Bring you Wealth

New Year's Traditions

Everyone will be making resolutions as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Many of those will include financial resolutions. You may find yourself promising to pay off your loans or mortgage, save more, or contribute towards your retirement. Even if you aren’t the superstitious type, here are a few New Year’s traditions to bring you wealth.

Financial Prosperity in the New Year

If you prefer a simpler tradition, wearing a particular color may bring your good luck. The Chinese believe the color red wards off evil energy and increases your wealth. Latin Americans think that wearing yellow underwear ensures future prosperity and fortune.

Many cultures also associate particular foods with financial success. People believe that eating these foods on New Year’s Eve will bring wealth in the coming year. In Spain, they eat 12 grapes for each stroke of the midnight hour. Southern Americans eat black-eyed peas, while Italians prefer lentils since they resemble coins. The Swiss enjoy rich ice cream to symbolize the richness of the year ahead. Then, they throw some on the ground to share the wealth.

Some cultures even hide small objects in a dish to be shared. If you find the almond in your portion of rice pudding, Norwegians believe it guarantees good fortune. When dining with your Jewish friends, look for a coin baked into your slice of bread. Variations of this tradition exist across the world, so maybe there is some truth in this lucky game of hide-and-seek.

New Year’s Traditions of Abundance

Other common New Year’s traditions include ways to ensure abundance for the coming year. There are a variety of foods associated with money and financial success. Pork symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and abundance in many cultures. Pork is included in several different dishes such as pig trotters in Italy and pork dumplings during Chinese New Year.

The Irish have long used bread as a euphemism for money. One of their oldest traditions requires the family to bang loaves of bread on the doors and walls to rid their home of bad luck. Using bread ensures that your home will be filled with wealth, or bread, in the new year.

In Romania, they take a more literal approach towards financial superstitions. They believe that people start the new year the way they end the last one. That means if you have no money in your pockets on New Year’s Eve, your poor finances will continue into the new year. Romanians will be sure to fill their pockets with cash to guarantee abundance in the coming year.

A Gift for Luck

Gift giving is a time honored tradition in many places. Particular kinds of gifts are also believed to bring luck and prosperity. Austrians give lucky charms to their family and friends for good luck, health, and wealth. The most popular charms include horseshoes, pigs, clovers, and chimney sweeps.

The Greek custom is to exchange gifts on New Year’s Day. As the old saying goes, when you receive a gift on the first day of the year, it improves your chances of wealth and prosperity in the months ahead.

Settle Old Debts

There are fiscal benefits to settling your accounts before the new year. However, the tradition  is deeply seeded in Scottish superstition. Folklore holds that it is bad luck to begin the year with debt. During the New Year’s Eve celebration, locally know as Hogmanay, they clean their homes and balance their books. Many Scots believe it best to drive out the old year to welcome a new year one full of fresh, new opportunities.

Although this tradition has become more complicated with credit cards and mortgage payments, it still offers sound advice. New Year’s Eve is a time of self-reflection of the previous year as well as setting goals for the future.  This holiday if full of rich history and traditions thought to bring financial success. Perhaps these New Year’s traditions will bring wealth and prosperity to all your endeavors in 2020.

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New Year's Traditions

There are many Chinese New Year’s traditions to bring wealth.

Christmas on a Shoestring Budget

Christmas on a Budget

The holidays are quickly upon us, and many people feel the emotional and financial strain on their wallets. The wish lists get longer every year, your extended family is growing, and perhaps your coworkers have also added you to their gift exchange. Before you know it, you find yourself reaching your budgetary limits and spending more money than you can really afford. So how can you plan an amazing Christmas on a shoestring budget?

Here are three gift giving ideas I’ve developed during those times when I needed to tighten my belt to make ends meet during the holidays. Each one still shows your loved ones exactly how much they mean to you without breaking the bank. And here’s the best part; they are all absolutely free.

Gift Ideas for Christmas on a Budget

#3 Upcycling

You may cringe at the thought of re-gifting or passing off used things as Christmas gifts. So let me introduce the concept of upcycling which takes one person’s trash and transforms it into someone else’s treasure. Upcycling adds value or improves upon the original product, making it more personal and unique.

You are literally only limited by your own creativity. Think of refurbishing old furniture, repurposing old toys, dismantling old jewelry and turning everyday objects into art. If you are the crafty type, this idea will allow you to showcase your skills and create something truly beautiful that someone else will cherish.

#2 Giving your Time

My mother instilled in me the importance of giving your time to help others. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to step outside of your busy life and spend time with family and friends. As a child, I would make coupon books to do chores or small tasks for others. As an adult, the gifts have changed but the idea is still at the heart of why we celebrate the season.

Our family traditions always include copious amounts of mouthwatering dishes and other favorite treats. Spend time making holiday-themed goodies or a special meal together, and make plenty to share. If the kitchen is not your area of expertise, you can also share your skills or teach someone. This could include musical talents, sharing a special story, assisting with projects around the house, or helping  technologically impaired relatives with computer issues. Think of what it is that you do best, and help those around you who can benefit from what only you can give.

#1 Create a Christmas Experience

The most intimate memories are when we can share an experience with the ones we love. This is a lot easier when cash is no issue, but there are thousands of other ways to share an experience that won’t cost you a dime.

My best memories include decorating the Christmas tree, watching holiday movies, and playing games together. There are also other options outside your own home. Many museums, parks, and theaters also offer free admission to concerts and other events. Spend some time researching free attractions and events in your own city, and offer your friends or family an experience they will never forget.

The Reason for the Season

As we get older, the holidays can cause more anxiety than cheer. Don’t forget the real reason to celebrate is to spend time with the ones we love. While we all enjoy receiving nice gifts, remember there are other ways to show your appreciation that won’t cost a small fortune. Step outside the box, and get creative this season to show just how much you care.

 

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Affordable Romance: The Best Frugal Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

frugal date ideas

Frugal date ideas have a bad reputation. Even money-conscious people tend to buy into the myth that if their partner doesn’t splurge on them for Valentine’s Day, then they don’t really love them. It’s ridiculous, of course. The amount you spend doesn’t say anything about the amount you love.

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