Depending on the age and temperament of your mother, simplicity may be the way to go this Mother’s Day. A hand-written card, some hand-picked flowers, a home-made gift, or any thoughtful gesture. Love isn’t measured in dollars, and Mother’s Day is all about appreciation. You can have a great celebration without derailing your debt management efforts. These budget-friendly ideas for Mother’s Day can be just as memorable.
If you’re paying off debt, try ACCC’s budget-friendly ideas for Mother’s Day!
For my mom, I know she appreciates help around the house more than just about anything. Just last month, I painted the ceiling in two bedrooms, and helped move some furniture to prepare for new carpet. After that kind of help, she doesn’t bother me for a while. Just kidding… Love you mom! (But seriously, she won’t). I also know that I’ll be over there several times this summer for weed-whacking, mulch spreading, and all kinds of fun unpaid labor. That’s fine with me. Gets the work done, and she stops trying to friend me on Facebook for a while.
I’m a firm believer in the old adage: actions speak louder than words. This philosophy can be applied to times of gift-giving. Not that you can really give the gift of words. I guess poetry counts…but come on.
The point is, actions mean a lot and can cost a little. This will help for staying on budget. Apply that to Mother’s Day and find some meaningful gestures to show your appreciation. For instance…
For your mom:
- Wash her car
- Do some lawn-mowing, landscaping, gardening, etc.
- Make her breakfast/lunch/dinner. Make it a pot-luck and invite the whole family over.
- Take her out shopping for something nice. Sure you’re buying something, but the time together will mean more than the item.
- Repair something of hers that has sentimental value. A friend of mine fixed up and refinished his mother’s desk that she’s had since she was a child.
- Frame an old photo and write a nice message on the back.
For your wife:
- Breakfast in bed is always a winner.
- Make a memory book of photos and other memorable clippings from your past.
- Take her out for the day. Go for a hike, have a picnic, go to a lake/beach, take a road trip, etc. You might be able to find some free events, like a concert or a play.
- Handle all of the housework. Take the kids on errands, clean up the house, do some repairs, cook the meals, etc. (By the way, this doesn’t imply that you shouldn’t help out every other day too. Maybe just do extra today).
- If you’re computer-savvy, Make a tribute video or slideshow and burn it to DVD.
These are just a few budget-friendly ideas for Mother’s Day, but no one know your mom better than you. So, come up with some ideas of your own.
Another thing about my mom is that she is always looking for a bargain. So, she loves it when I find ways to save money. It’s a win-win.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
