Creating a Holiday Spending Plan: Balancing Gifts, Travel, and Festivities

Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. From gift-giving to festive gatherings and long-anticipated travel plans, there’s plenty to look forward to this time of year. However, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement and let costs spiral without realizing it. 

According to PwC’s 2024 Holiday Outlook survey, overall holiday spending is expected to increase by 7% from last year, ringing in at a total of $1,638 per shopper on average. 

Whether you anticipate spending more or less than this amount, creating a holiday spending plan can help you stay on budget and avoid overspending. This way, you’re ready for every occasion and don’t have to miss out on any precious holiday moments. 

Below, we’ll walk through some simple steps to creating a solid holiday spending plan. 

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Checks and Philanthropy: Simplifying Donations and Charitable Giving

Checks are still widely used in the modern economy despite the rise in electronic payment methods. To this day, checks remain a preferred method for making charitable donations, offering both donors and recipients simplicity and financial transparency. Continue reading below as we explain the advantages of using checks for philanthropic purposes.

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Checks in Estate Planning and Trust Funds

According to LegalZoom, over half of Americans, or 56%, think estate planning is important for end-of-life planning. So, even though this process can feel overwhelming, taking thoughtful steps now can ease the burden for your loved ones later on. 

One way to make the process more straightforward is to organize your financial matters. This includes setting up clear methods for disbursing funds, like using paper checks. By being proactive with these details, you not only make the process easier but also give your family peace of mind, knowing that everything is in order. 

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Using Checks to Manage Cash Flow for Small Businesses

Paper checks aren’t going anywhere despite the rise in digital payment methods. In fact, a recent survey shows that 81% of businesses still pay other firms using paper checks. Despite the many reasons why companies continue to accept and make payments with checks, one of the most significant advantages is that it can help them better manage their cash flows. Below, we’ll explain how. 

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Business person Signing Check In Office

Checks vs. Electronic Payments: Comparing Costs and Benefits for Businesses

The modern business environment has grown increasingly competitive. Business leaders constantly seek new ways to cut costs and boost profits without sacrificing operational efficiency and security. One area where companies may look for cost-saving opportunities is in their payment processing practices. 

Businesses that have relied on check payments for decades may start to wonder if switching to electronic payments is a better alternative. Below, we’ll compare these two payment methods to help you understand the costs and benefits of each. 

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A person taking a picture of a check

The Evolution of Checks: From Paper to Digital

Checks have long been the cornerstone of personal and business finances. They provide a secure and traceable way to transfer funds, an easy method to make a financial gift or donation, and a reliable payment form that doesn’t require you to have access to technology when initiating a transaction. 

Though checks have evolved dramatically over the years, their purpose and benefits remain unchanged. Let’s take a look at how checks have evolved over the years and why they continue to stay relevant in the digital age. 

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How to Protect Yourself from Check Fraud

Checks are still a commonly used payment form for many reasons, offering convenience and security when used properly. However, fraudsters can exploit vulnerabilities if the proper precautions are not taken, resulting in potential losses for banks, businesses, and consumers.

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The Enduring Relevance of Checks in Today’s Digital Finance World

Despite the rise of electronic transactions, checks remain significant in personal and business finances in 2024. Some people simply prefer to write checks rather than send electronic payments. Plus, checks can even be a more secure payment method. 

With numerous digital payment options, why do people continue using checks? Below, we’ll explore the advantages of check writing in 2024 and the various ways people continue to use checks in the digital age.

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10 Steps to Maximize a Side Hustle Income

In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving economy, many individuals are exploring the world of side hustles to supplement their primary income. Whether you’re aiming to pay off debts, build an emergency fund, or simply enhance your lifestyle, a well-managed side hustle can be a powerful financial tool. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of maximizing side hustle earnings and budgeting wisely to make the most of your additional income streams.

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