The Stressless Holiday Plan

Written by David Dixon, EdS ~ 11/18/2024

The holiday season, meant to be full of wonder and joy, often comes with financial angst. The key to a smoother experience of this festive time is budgeting. Let's explore ways to spread joy for much less financial worry.

1. Plan Early
   Starting early is key to success. Create a comprehensive budget including spending categories, such as:
   • Gifts
   • Holiday travel
   • Food and entertainment
   • Holiday decor and attire
   • Charitable contributions
     
     Save and revisit this plan each year to align with evolving needs/wants.
     
     
2. Set Limits and Priorities
   List everyone you plan to buy gifts for and assign a specific budget to each one. This keeps your overall budget in check.
   
   
3. Monitor Your Holiday Spending
   Leverage online banking for easy monitoring of your accounts. Review statements to stay on top of your spending trends. Timely bill payments prevent unnecessary fees.
   
   
4. Smart Credit Card Usage
   Opt for credit cards offering cashback and other rewards. Since you'll likely spend the money anyway, why not get something in return, such as cashback, discounts, or travel deals?
   
   
5. Comparison Shop
   Check prices for the best value/offers from retailers. Online tools and apps assist you in comparing prices, locating the best deals, and stretching your funds.
   
   
6. Personalized Gifts and DIY
   Consider making gifts yourself. Homemade gifts carry more sentimental value and are a budget-friendly alternative.
   
   
7. Expensive Gifts
   For pricier items, start a savings plan early in the year. This proactive approach ensures you have funds set aside for special gifts, alleviating financial strain during the holidays.

We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.
Laura Ingalls Wilder

The true joy of the holidays lies in shared moments with loved ones. By planning wisely, you can focus on creating lasting memories.

At LifeSkills Academy, we believe in empowering individuals with essential life skills. If you're interested in staying informed about our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates, sign up for our newsletters and class notices. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Let's build a foundation for success in life together.

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Written By: Chip Rudolph ~ 11/11/2024

Reflections on Bravery and Gratitude

Throughout history, countless lives have been lost in wars around the globe. Reflecting on these tenuous events, we recall the sacrifices of brave men and women serving our country with unwavering dedication and courage.

From the Civil War to today, each conflict has left its mark on history, claiming the lives of thousands, and costing billions, even trillions, of dollars. Yet, amidst the devastation, we find stories of heroism, resilience, and sacrifice that inspire us to honor those who gave their all.

This past May we paid tribute to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Whether visiting gravesites, spending time with family members, or participating in commemorative events, we came together to remember and honor their lives.

It's now time to extend our support to today's military families, who serve and continue to make sacrifices on behalf of our people. By celebrating our freedom and peace, we honor the legacy of those who serve to preserve our way of life.

This month’s Thanksgiving Day - let us celebrate our daily blessings and the freedoms we enjoy. Watch for future blogs on "Thankful Thursdays," highlighting additional reasons to express gratitude throughout the year.

“Let's honor the past, embrace the present, and shape our future with gratitude and resilience.” Chip Rudolph

We invite you into the conversation info@lifeskillsacademy.expert to share your thoughts, questions, and interests as we navigate LifeSkills Academy's "Mastering the Game Of Life."

At LifeSkills Academy, we equip individuals with essential life skills. Our e-learning classes cover a range of topics: Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. Our dedicated team of educators—seasoned business professionals, all boast proven success in the world of commerce.

If you want to stay informed about our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletters and class notices. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Let's build a foundation for success in life and our world together.

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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 11/4/2024

Celebrating with cherished company makes holiday time golden with warm memories. Yet, how many of us fall out of practice with fine dining beyond daily habits? Mastering etiquette enhances special dining experiences and positively puts others at ease. After all, table manners convey our overall demeanor in life. Here are key etiquette skills to keep in mind this holiday season.

First Impressions: Arriving

When entering a restaurant, dressed in your finest attire, remember that the table is meant for dining settings, not personal belongings. Keep bags and phones off the table and place them on the side of your seat instead. This simple act maintains the table's elegance and festive sparkle.

Dining Right: Eating and Serving

• If dining with others, wait until everyone is served before you start eating.
• This rule changes slightly at buffets. It’s acceptable to start eating once you have your food. Don’t overload your plate; take small amounts and go back for seconds if desired.
• Never speak with your mouth full.
• Keep your voice at a moderate level.
• The salt and pepper always travel together, even if only one is requested. This alleviates them being separated.
• What’s wrong with this formal setting?

Mind Your Phone

Checking your phone while dining is considered distracting. If you must respond to an emergency, excuse yourself politely, handle it privately, and return unobtrusively. This respects your dining companions and their experience.

Respect the Staff

The individuals serving you are professionals who deserve respect. When you need assistance, say “excuse me” rather than snapping fingers, waving, or clapping hands. Addressing servers with respect goes a long way to creating a pleasant atmosphere for all. If you have concerns about the service or food, address them discreetly, with compassion, and politeness.

The Cloth Napkin: A Multifunctional Tool

• Place the cloth napkin on your lap as soon as you are seated. Never tuck it into your shirt or around your neck.
• As needed, use the napkin to dab the corners of your mouth gently. Do not wipe all over your mouth.
• If you need to leave the table mid-meal, place the napkin unfolded on the left side of the plate. Putting it on your chair may transfer food debris to where you sit.
• After the meal, place the napkin neatly next to your plate.

Mastering Cutlery

• Understanding how to use cutlery correctly is crucial in a formal setting. Start with the utensils farthest from the plate for the first course and work your way inward with each subsequent course. Practice at home to feel more natural.
• European style: the fork (tines down) remains in the left hand to eat and the knife in the right to cut.
• American style uses a zigzag pattern: knife in right hand and fork (tines down) in left hand to cut food; then switch the knife (blade facing you) to top plate edge and fork (tines up) to right hand to eat.
• When you leave the table temporarily, place your cutlery on your plate in an upside-down V shape.
• After the meal, place the fork and knife together diagonally across the plate at a 10:20 clock position with the knife blade facing you. The server will know that you are finished.

Finger Bowl Etiquette

Dip only your fingertips to remove any food residue. Then blot them on the napkin in your lap. Do not wash or scrub your hands or squeeze a lemon into the water and rub it on your palms. Also, don’t drink it!

Apres Dining

Using a toothpick at the table is generally frowned upon. Ideally, use a toothpick in the restroom to avoid discomfort for others at the table. If you must use one, cover your mouth with your hand to maintain discretion.

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.
If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” Emily Post

Dining should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. By following these social tips, you will enhance your holiday dining experiences and leave a positive and lasting impression on your companions and your memories. Bon appétit!

At LifeSkills Academy, we equip individuals with essential life skills. Our e-learning classes cover a range of topics: Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. Our dedicated team of educators—seasoned business professionals, all boast proven success in the world of commerce.

If you want to stay informed about our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletters and class notices. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Let's build a foundation for success in life and our world together.

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