We're back from our short break—hope you didn't miss us too much! I'm feeling recharged after a full week of family time and am ready to dive into the next wave of holiday madness. The Christmas tree is already adorned with festive decorations, and Mariah Carey's tunes will be on repeat until December 26th! We have some good stuff for you today. Take a moment to explore—linger a while and click around for insights that can make a difference.

• Aging Family: How can you support your parents with respect and grace?

• Emergency Funds: Prioritize your savings account this holiday season.

• Happy Hanukkah: Get in the spirit with festive decorations and delicious recipes.

FAMILY

Gen X and Millennials have a new name – the “Sandwich” generation.

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength." - Betty Friedan

The holidays often make us reflect on the passage of time and the changes in our family dynamics, particularly as we witness our parents and grandparent's age. This can evoke a mix of emotions, including nostalgia and gratitude. 

For Gen X and millennials, there's a unique challenge as many find themselves in the "Sandwich Generation," caring for their parents and their children, a situation influenced by having kids later in life. This phenomenon affects a significant portion of American adults, with nearly 25 percent and over half of people in their 40s finding themselves in this caregiving role.

Playing a pivotal role in the health journey of aging parents involves being a source of support and encouragement. Here are some ways you can contribute to their well-being:

• Technology and Cognitive Health: A University of Texas study with over 200 elderly adults found that engagement with technology improved cognition and memory, emphasizing the importance of encouraging older parents to try new things.

• Social Interaction and Mental Well-being: Being social is crucial. Research indicates that those who are more social are more resilient to chronic conditions and often have a stronger immune system. Using technology for social connections is seen as a doubly beneficial strategy.

• Physical Activity and Mental Health: Depression among older adults is rising, and as little as 20 minutes of daily walking can reduce the risk of depression by up to 43%, according to a study involving more than 4,000 older adults.

• Multivitamins and Cognitive Function: A Columbia University study involving 2,200 adults aged 60 and over revealed that an inexpensive multivitamin formulated for older people improved cognition, memory, and focus. The supplement could potentially slow age-related memory decline by three years.

• Protein Intake for Health: Promoting the intake of sufficient protein is crucial for older individuals to preserve and build muscle mass, especially considering that between the ages of 40 and 80, there can be a loss of up to 50 percent of it.

❗Amidst all the other responsibilities, those who find themselves in the "sandwich" situation might easily overlook their own needs. Prioritize your self-care, which is essential for effectively supporting loved ones.

BUDGET

Don’t neglect your savings account this holiday season.

DID YOU KNOW? 53 percent of Americans don’t have emergency savings.

With the holidays in full swing, spending is usually at an all-time high but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your savings. Life is unpredictable; no matter your household income, it’s important to be prepared.

🆘 The average emergency costs $1,400. Ideally, you should have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses in a dedicated emergency fund to cover anything from medical bills to car repairs.

💵 Know your income and expenses. You might discover instances of overspending on neglected subscriptions or unnecessary purchases from platforms like Amazon. Identifying and reducing such expenses could free up funds that can be directed toward building a financial safety net.

💵 Set it and forget it. Allocate a fixed portion of your salary to automatically transfer to a separate savings account with each paycheck. This separation reduces the temptation to spend, as funds not readily visible are harder to access.

Explore various savings account options, each with its own set of pros and cons, including factors like bank fees, minimum balance requirements, interest payout, and withdrawal fees.

• High Yield Savings Account 

• Certificates of Deposit (CD)

• Market Accounts (MMA)

💵 Cash Windfalls. Consider using windfalls like tax refunds or bonuses to kickstart your savings. For a bit of enjoyment, experiment with the 80/20 split: allocate 80 percent to your savings and reserve the remaining 20 percent for indulging in something you desire immediately.

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Happy Hanukkah!

As Hanukkah draws near, we're eager to join in the celebration with you! With just a week left to go, let's enhance the festivities together and make this Hanukkah a joyous and memorable experience. ✨

🕎 Hanukkah Decorations: Get into the spirit with these indoor and outdoor home decorations!

🕎Themed Family Pajamas: Move over Rudolph, we’ve got the whole family covered with these matching sets.

🕎Movie Night. Snuggle up with this list of Hanukkah movies.

🕎Recipes. Hanukkah Sufganiyot and Latkes make great additions to your dinner menu.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

⛄Shhh.. it's a secret. And we are exposing it! Try out Starbucks’ secret winter menu to add a little Christmas magic to your day.

🎄Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal. You know the classics, but here are 14 brand-new movies out this Christmas.

🎅Fill’em up! Stocking stuffers can add up quickly – check out Target’s under $10 options.

❄️ No more freezer burn. Keep your freezer organized with this TikTok hack.

🖍️Color your… you guessed it, Hot Chocolate! Crayola is launching a product to bring new colors to a holiday favorite.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

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