Give the Gift of Financial Freedom

The Christmas season is upon us! Christians across the world look forward to a wonderful Christmas Day with family and friends, celebrating the gift of Jesus Christ. Often called the most wonderful time of the year, the hustle and bustle of the season brings excitement, hope, joy, and peace. In preparation for Christmas Day, countless hours are spent preparing guest lists and menus and searching for the ‘perfect’ gift for our loved ones– a gift that reflects our true admiration and love.

On average, a person spends approximately $1,000 each year on gifts, food, and holiday decorations during the Christmas season. Most of the funds are spent on gifts, with gift cards and money topping the chart as the most popular. Gift cards have grown in popularity over recent years as purchasers are fond of giving the recipient the opportunity to make a purchase of their choice at a time when they want to. Gift cards eliminate concerns about choosing the wrong gift. Gone are worries about whether the recipient needs or likes the gift and whether it is the right size, color, or style. For those reasons, giving gift cards seems to be money well spent. However, a recent report by Credit Summit highlighted that 67% of consumers in the United States have at least one unspent gift card. Moreover, the total amount of unspent money on gift cards equates to approximately $21 billion.

Instead of purchasing additional gift cards this season, perhaps you will consider one of these options instead:

•Begin a small savings account or a college for a child
•Purchase a US savings bond
•Open a small investment account and teach about long-term investing
•Invest in share(s) of a stock or mutual fund

Building wealth through saving and investing generally helps one reach the time in their life when there is enough to provide adequately for the household and to give generously and joyfully to God's work. In this season of giving, consider giving a gift that promotes financial freedom.