Do you need an idea? How about giving your aging parents your handwritten - and signed - promise to personally do whatever it is they need to have done around the house and in their lives that they can no longer do on their own?
I don't want to be a nag, of course, because I realize that you're a very busy and important individual. And I'm willing to bet your elderly parents realize it too, which means they probably have a really tough time "bothering" you for the things they most need . . . because what they most need is going to involve a little time and effort on the part of the child (i.e., YOU) who's made them so proud but is so very busy.
You're looking for the "perfect" gift, though, right? Well, I think this one might be it. Give them a little of that thing with which you're overflowing - your expertise - combined with the thing you believe you have so little to spare (that's right . . . your time). But, wrap them in a way that will satisfy both your need to justify things and your parents' need to not impose.
Is This the GIFT For YOU? I'd hate to send you on a wild goose chase, so let's make sure this gift's going to work for you.
Answer some questions for me
- How many times over the years have you seen things in your parents' house - or life - that were in serious need of attention, - and that you knew you could make better - and told them not to bother hiring anyone because you'd take care of it for them? (or perhaps you didn't say anything to them but fully intended to take care of it)
- Or, how many times have you heard your aging parent worry over something such as the condition of their car, or a difficulty with their finances, or upgrading the windows, paint, and/or insulation in their house, or 10,000,000 other things, and told them you'd handle it for them?
- And, how many times did you follow through?
If you didn't, I know it was never a matter of your NOT intending to follow. It was just that you were well ................. That's why this gift is so perfect.
Give your parents your handwritten and signed (And notarized if necessary to make it real for you) promise to do whatever it is they need to have done around the house that they can no longer do on their own.
You know you're an expert - at far more than your credentials suggest. Why, there are things you know how to do . . things you really enjoy doing . . . that you've never told anyone. In fact, I'm willing to bet that you'd even love to try your hand at a few things you know nothing about . . . particularly if an expert's there and willing to teach you.
So, as you're setting your calendar for 2009, clear the time it will take to live up to that promise. You can do it in chunks for heaven's sake! Schedule a little time each week or each month. There's no time rule, except that the time has been committed and your elderly parents will be oh so grateful.
Whether you live far from your aging parents, or right next door, imagine the long term effects this one gift can have for everyone involved. Not only will your parents get some help they dearly need, you'll be a great winner as well.
The real gift of this gift is that it will broaden your perspective on what your parents' real needs are, and show them how very much you really do care. A win-win situation if ever there was one.
What more could you - or your aging parents - ask from a simple gift?!
The news comes as research released by MoneyExpert reveals that those parents who have children under the age of 18 are typically some 1,140 pounds in debt in the 12 months following the birth of their first child. According to the finanical comparison website, more than a third (39 per cent) of couples see their income fall after the birth of their first child as at least one partner either works less hours, or gives up their job altogether, in the subsequent months after a birth.
And with over 40 per cent of new parents going into the red in the first year of having a child, such consumers could well struggle to meet demands for payments on areas of their finances such as utility bills, credit cards and home loans. Meanwhile, money management difficulties could be even more pronounced for the seven per cent of parents who are more than 2,500 pounds in debt, with two per cent owing over 7,000 pounds.
Research from the company also showed that three-quarters of those suffering from a loss in earnings as they have a child are looking to make up for such a shortfall. Some 28 per cent of these consumers turn to their family for finanical aid, while ten per cent are set to take out a loan to help relieve the pressure on their finances. Meanwhile, 22 per cent are to use credit cards as a means of supplementing their spending.
Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert, said: "For most of us worries about money go out of the window with the joy of having a baby. It's hard enough coping with the sleepless nights and new responsibilities without thinking about budgets. But financially a new baby can cause havoc because of the combined burden of extra costs and reduced income. If money is already tight, it's no wonder that so many families have had to turn to borrowing to make ends meet."
He added that as households are set to face increased costs, taking out a loan or another form of credit is often "a sensible way to tide you over". As a result, Mr Gardner urged those considering borrowing money to take the time to choose the right product for them.
Meanwhile, the financial services firm's debt index reveals that more than 2.48 million Britons are "very concerned" about their capacity to manage their finances as the series of interest rate increases by the Bank of England's monetary policy committee starts to make its impact felt.
Accordingly, opting for a low-rate loan may be an advisable idea for those concerned that pressure on their finances is set to increase after they have a child. Last month, James Ketchell, from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, reported that Britons are becoming evermore prepared to take out secured loans and apply other forms of credit as they get older due to becoming "used to the idea" of borrowing while at university. Mr Ketchell also reported that the majority of those applying for a loan use the money for "vital things".
Both Gail Mcconnon & Mark Dawson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gail Mcconnon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, self improvement and motivation and Aging. An expert on "letting go in aging," helps midlife adults clear out the emotional baggage that interferes in their rela. Gail Mcconnon's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Mark Dawson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Insurance, Personal Finance and Finances. Mark Dawson writes for Loan-Arrangers .co.uk where visitors can online. Then apply for one of our. Mark Dawson's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.