Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Melissa

Thank the Troops This Holiday Season By Giving Back to Them

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There is probably no other holiday season that evokes a desire to be home, surrounded by family and friends more than the end-of-the-year holidays. 

Many American soldiers who are stationed far away, can only dream about going home.  Not only do they experience a sense of longing for family and friends, but they also miss the creature comforts of home as well as the holiday rituals and celebrations.

American service men and women leave their families to protect and defend our rights, and they risk death doing their jobs.  The holidays are a perfect time to give back and tell the troops how much they are appreciated by doing something kind for them this holiday season.

There are many ways you can do this.

You can choose to simply make a donation, to send a card, or to make a longer term commitment to a troop member.  There are even organizations that let you donate to the needy citizens of the country where the troop member is stationed.

Here are Some Organizations to Consider Donating to and Give Thanks to Our Troops:

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Free Tax Day Snacks, Giveaways and Deals 2015

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You got all your forms and receipts together to tackle your taxes.

Did you file everything yet in or are you still procrastinating?

If you are really one of those last minute folks then you better make sure your return is in either electronically by day’s end or post-marked by the end of the day on April 15th (expect the post office to be crowded).

To help everyone get over the tax-day malaise, there are a number of stores that are offering up free tax day snacks, giveaways, and deals.

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How to Save Money on Valentine’s Day and Still Have Fun – 23 Ways

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Every year, it seems like we’ve just gotten over the Christmas expense when another big expense comes—that’s right—Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day has turned into a highly commercialized holiday. In fact, according to the History Channel, “the holiday brings in almost $14 billion annually” (History).

But the history of Valentine’s Day is anything but romantic. 

The day has its roots in pagan festivities when an animal was sacrificed and young women were whipped with strips of animal skin to promote their fertility. Later, a 5th century pope turned Valentine’s Day into a Christian holiday by making it Saint Valentine’s feast day.

Who was Saint Valentine?

A priest who secretly married couples in the 3rd century AD after Emperor Claudius II banned marriage for his soldiers. Saint Valentine was discovered and sentenced to death. He was killed on February 14th, but not before he had written a love note to the jailer’s daughter signed, “From your Valentine” (History).

Yet, from this dark history, it’s become one of the most commercialized holidays.

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Give a Smile to the Kids on Your List – Top Holiday Gifts Under $75 for Kids – 2014

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The holiday shopping season is upon us. 

Now is the time to find the perfect present for those special people on your list.

While there are plenty of ideas for gifts under $25, we recognize that sometimes a $25 present isn’t going to cut it.

For kids in your family, a gift of $75 or under may pack more return (and excitement) than a smaller gift.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of presents under $75 that will thrill every child on your list, from baby to teen.

Keep in mind that with sales, you can nab many of these items for less than their retail price.  Amazon, especially, often discounts their merchandise, so that might be the site to check first before you head to the toy store.

The Top Holiday Gifts Under $75

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How to Rein in Your Holiday Spending – 7 Ways

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“‘Tis the season to be jolly,” goes the old song, but for many of us, ’tis the season to go in debt and feel financial strain.

You might have thought that the days of resisting peer pressure ended in high school.  However, if everyone around you is spending elaborately for the holidays–for presents, decorating, and parties–you may feel the pressure to do the same, which can pack a painful punch to your wallet.

There is nothing worse than the holiday spending hangover that hits in January when you get that large credit card bill.

However, every December doesn’t have to be a financial strain if you begin implementing steps to rein in your spending.

7 Strategies to Manage This Year’s Holiday Spending

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