Redefine the Spirit of Gift-Giving

We're approaching the holiday season amid dire economic predictions and warnings about credit card spending. Since we issued those warnings months, even years, ago, it seems more appropriate to take a positive approach toward seasonal gift-giving.

Even though your budget is stretched, and your finances are over-extended, you can still give meaningful holiday gifts to those you care about. Where did we ever get the idea that "meaningful" is synonymous with expensive? It's time to redefine the spirit of gift-giving, as well as the practice.

And if you get your family and friends together this Thanksgiving weekend and agree on a plan, this could be the most rewarding holiday season you've ever had. Remember, if you're all fortunate enough to gather for dinner in a home that is not being foreclosed upon, you're well ahead of millions of families who can't even be thankful for the roof over their head. ...