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10 Reasons To Help A Neighbor This Year For Thanksgiving

November 20, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Helping a neighbor this Thanksgiving — Image Source: Shutterstock

In these trying times full of food insecurity, rising prices, and instability, Thanksgiving feels all the more poignant. Many people focus on family plans, good food, and gratitude for all they have. But what about your community and your neighbors? Some people right in your neighborhood are facing financial hardship and struggling to make ends meet. They may not be able to put food on the table this holiday. Just one simple act of kindness may give them hope that times will get better. Here are 10 meaningful reasons to lend a hand this Thanksgiving.

1. Combat Loneliness

Loneliness can be compounded during the holiday season. Many older adults and widowed neighbors spend Thanksgiving alone. Human connection is one of the most powerful gifts you can offer. You may not realize it, but even a short conversation can change someone’s day. Or you could go the extra mile and invite a neighbor to your celebration. Even a phone call to check in may be the difference.

2. Share Surplus Food

What do you do with your Thanksgiving leftovers? While you may try to repurpose leftovers, in reality, some of it usually goes to waste. What if, instead, you brought over a plate to a neighbor? A homemade meal is the ultimate comfort for someone who may not be cooking this holiday. Food is love, and sharing it can be the most thoughtful gesture.

3. Support Seniors With Limited Mobility

Do you know neighbors who have limited mobility? Age or disability may make it impossible for some of your neighbors to shop for holiday essentials. Help ease their burden by offering to run errands for them. Your support can turn a stressful day into a joyful one.

4. Teach Kids the Value of Giving

Do you have children? They are always watching and learning from you. Helping a neighbor is a great way to involve children in acts of kindness. It teaches gratitude, empathy, and community responsibility. Kids can help bake cookies, make cards, or deliver meals. Let them know that Thanksgiving becomes more meaningful when it’s shared.

5. Strengthen Community Bonds

Reaching out to a neighbor for Thanksgiving open the door for connection throughout the year. When neighbors help each other, trust grows. A strong community is built on small acts of care. Kindness is contagious, and it starts with you.

6. Ease Financial Pressure

Some families are struggling to afford a holiday meal. Donating groceries, gift cards, or inviting someone to join your table can relieve that burden. You don’t have to solve every problem. But you can lighten the load. Your generosity could be the reason someone enjoys Thanksgiving this year. If you’re looking for where to donate, reach out to your local food bank.

7. Honor the Spirit of the Holiday

Thanksgiving is rooted in gratitude and sharing. Helping a neighbor embodies the true meaning of the season. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. When you give, you honor the values that make Thanksgiving special. It’s a celebration of community, not just cuisine.

8. Create New Traditions

Helping others can become a cherished part of your holiday tradition. Whether it’s delivering meals, hosting a neighbor, or volunteering together, these acts add depth to your celebration. Traditions don’t have to be inherited; they can be created. And the best ones often involve giving.

9. Inspire Others to Act

Your kindness can spark a ripple effect. When others see you helping, they may be inspired to do the same. One act can lead to many, creating a culture of care in your neighborhood. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to lead by example. Be the reason someone else gives.

10. Feel Good

Helping others boosts your mood, reduces stress, and increases feelings of purpose. It’s scientifically proven that generosity benefits the giver as much as the receiver. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you have, and share it. The joy you create will come back to you tenfold.

Kindness Is the Best Side Dish

This Thanksgiving, don’t just think about what’s on your plate; think about who’s around you. Helping a neighbor is one of the most powerful ways to celebrate the season. Whether it’s a warm meal, a kind word, or a helping hand, your gesture could be the highlight of someone’s holiday. Gratitude grows when it’s shared, and so does joy.

Are you planning to help a neighbor this Thanksgiving? Share your ideas or stories in the comments. We’d love to hear how you’re spreading kindness.

7 Clear Signs You’re Financially Ahead of the Average American

November 17, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

couple financially ahead average American by budgeting together — Image Source: Shutterstock

Do you feel like you’re on shaky ground when it comes to financial health? You’re not alone. Today, more than half of Americans rate their financial situation as only “fair” or “poor”. Even the middle class struggles with inflation, emergency savings, healthcare costs, and living expenses. Times may be challenging, but if you are doing these 7 things, you’re financially ahead of the average American.

1. You Have a Fully Funded Emergency Fund

Most Americans struggle to save even $1,000 for unexpected expenses. In fact, as many as 24% of Americans don’t have an emergency fund. Most are one large expense away from financial disaster. If you have three to six months’ worth of living expenses tucked away in a high-yield savings account, you’re already ahead of the curve. This cushion protects you from job loss, medical emergencies, or surprise repairs, and it means you’re not relying on credit cards or loans to stay afloat. While three to six months’ worth of expenses is the ideal, even a more modest emergency fund is better than nothing. So, give yourself credit if you have anything saved; you’re doing better than most.

2. You’re Contributing the Maximum to Retirement Accounts

Whether it’s a 401(k), IRA, or both, maxing out your retirement contributions is a strong indicator of financial health. Many people contribute only enough to get an employer match, but going beyond that shows discipline and long-term planning. It also means you’re taking full advantage of tax-deferred growth and compounding interest—two powerful tools for building wealth. Over time, you’ll reap the rewards of your max contributions.

3. You’re Debt-Free or Manage Debt Strategically

Most Americans can’t get out of the debt trap. According to The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data, US household debt increased by $197 billion (1%) in Q3 2025, to $18.59 trillion. Carrying high-interest debt is one of the biggest obstacles to financial progress. If you’ve paid off your credit cards, student loans, or even your mortgage, you’re ahead of most households. Or if you’re managing debt with low interest and a clear payoff plan, you’re doing well. Strategic debt management takes financial literacy and control.

4. You Can Afford Lifestyle Upgrades Without Sacrificing Savings

Being able to travel, dine out, or make home improvements without dipping into savings or going into debt is a major milestone. It means your income exceeds your expenses and you’ve built a buffer that allows for enjoyment without financial strain. This balance between living well and saving smart is something many aspire to but few achieve consistently.

5. You Track Spending and Stick to a Budget

Do you stick to a budget? This simple exercise is more than most Americans do each month. Budgeting isn’t just for people trying to make ends meet; it’s a tool for anyone who wants to stay ahead. If you regularly track your spending, adjust your habits, and align purchases with your goals, you’re practicing financial mindfulness.

6. You Have Multiple Income Streams

Relying on a single paycheck is risky in today’s economy. If you’ve built additional income sources, whether through investments, rental properties, freelance work, or side businesses, you’re diversifying your financial foundation. Multiple streams not only increase your earning potential but also provide resilience during economic downturns or career transitions. It’s a safety net that many other Americans don’t have.

7. You’re Helping Others Financially Without Jeopardizing Yourself

Strategic giving is a clear signal of financial health. Whether it’s supporting family, donating to causes, or mentoring others in financial literacy, giving back is a sign of an abundance mindset. If you can help others without compromising your own stability, it means you’ve moved beyond survival. Generosity backed by financial strength is one of the clearest signs you’re ahead.

More Than Just Numbers

Being financially ahead isn’t about having the biggest bank account; it’s about control, confidence, and choices. If you recognize yourself in these seven signs, you’re not just surviving, you’re thriving. In today’s environment, that’s a great accomplishment. Being ahead in this way puts you in a position to build, give, and enjoy life on your own terms.

If you’re hitting most of these milestones, let us know how you’ve done it. We would love to celebrate your financial successes with you.

Finding Yourself (and a Paycheck): Reinventing Your Career After Divorce

November 6, 2025 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Divorce is rarely just the end of a marriage—it’s the end of a chapter, and often, the beginning of a completely new story. For many, that story includes a reawakening of personal identity, rediscovering passions, and rebuilding financial independence. And sometimes, it means reinventing a career altogether.

If you’ve recently gone through a divorce, you might feel as if you’ve lost your footing. Your routine, your finances, your social circles—even your confidence—might have been shaken. But what if this period of upheaval could actually be the perfect opportunity to rebuild a career that feels more aligned with who you are now?

Let’s explore how to navigate the emotional and financial realities of divorce while forging a fresh professional path that not only supports you but helps you thrive.

The Financial Reality Check

Before you can reinvent yourself professionally, it’s essential to take stock of your financial situation. Divorce can have a massive impact on your budget, assets, and long-term planning.

It’s no secret that divorce can be costly. In some states, like Colorado, the average cost of a divorce is more than $13,000 per party (and may even exceed that). Multiply that by legal fees, potential alimony, and the cost of setting up a new household, and you’ve got a major financial shift to manage.

If your career took a back seat during your marriage, or if you’ve been out of the workforce for several years, re-entering the job market can feel intimidating. But this transition doesn’t have to be purely about survival—it can be about building something new and better suited to your goals.

Start by establishing a realistic post-divorce budget. Identify your non-negotiable expenses, understand your income streams, and evaluate how much flexibility you have to invest in education or training. Having clarity on your finances allows you to make confident, strategic choices about your next career move.

Step One: Rediscover Who You Are (Without the “We”)

When you’re married, career choices often reflect a shared life—decisions made around your partner’s job, your family’s needs, or the lifestyle you built together. After divorce, those priorities shift dramatically.

This can be an emotional but also liberating process. Ask yourself:

What kind of work energizes me?
What values feel non-negotiable now?
Do I crave stability—or am I ready for adventure?
What strengths have I developed that I can translate into new work?

Consider journaling, career assessments, or talking with a coach or therapist. The goal isn’t to rush into the next job—it’s to reconnect with your authentic self.

When you know what drives you, it becomes much easier to choose a career path that will bring both purpose and income.

Step Two: Take Inventory of Your Skills and Strengths

You’ve likely developed more skills than you realize—especially if you’ve managed a household, raised children, or juggled family and career responsibilities. Divorce, while painful, often exposes untapped resilience, problem-solving, and negotiation skills that are invaluable in the professional world.

Start with a “skills inventory.” List everything from technical expertise to soft skills: organization, communication, budgeting, leadership, empathy, adaptability. Then compare those with the requirements of jobs that catch your eye.

If you notice gaps, don’t be discouraged. This is where education and training come in. According to Zippia, as many as 59% of employees believe that more training improves their performance. Whether it’s enrolling in an online course, earning a certification, or attending a professional workshop, investing in yourself boosts your confidence and your employability.

You might even find joy in learning again—proving that self-improvement isn’t just for your career but for your spirit, too.

Step Three: Redefine Success on Your Own Terms

After a divorce, your definition of “success” may evolve. Maybe you once equated it with a high income or a prestigious title, but now, you crave flexibility, freedom, and balance.

Take time to reflect on what a successful life looks like for you now. Maybe it’s working remotely so you can be home for your kids after school. Maybe it’s starting a small business doing something creative. Or maybe it’s climbing the corporate ladder again, but this time with confidence in your independence.

Whatever your path, remember that it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. This is your opportunity to write a new story that reflects your individual needs, values, and ambitions.

Step Four: Rebuild Your Professional Network

Divorce can sometimes shrink your social and professional circles, especially if many of your connections were shared with your ex-partner. That’s okay—it’s time to rebuild, and maybe even expand, your network in directions that support your new goals.

Start small:

Reconnect with old colleagues or mentors.
Join local business or alumni groups.
Attend industry events, both in person and online.
Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current ambitions.

Networking isn’t just about finding job leads—it’s about finding inspiration, support, and community. Many people reinventing their careers post-divorce find mentorship invaluable. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential can reignite your motivation and remind you that you’re not alone in this transition.

Step Five: Focus on Motivation and Momentum

When you’re reinventing your life after divorce, motivation can fluctuate. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable; other days, getting out of bed might be an accomplishment.

That’s normal. Motivation is a muscle—it strengthens with use and patience. And it matters. According to TeamStage, employees work 20% better when motivated. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a reminder that enthusiasm and purpose directly impact your performance and satisfaction.

So how do you keep that motivation alive?

Set small, achievable goals. Updating your résumé, applying for one job, or completing one online class all count as wins.
Celebrate progress, not perfection. Reinvention takes time, and every step forward deserves recognition.
Surround yourself with positivity. Friends, podcasts, books, or online communities that focus on growth can be powerful motivators.
Keep your “why” visible. Maybe it’s independence, stability, or proving to yourself that you can thrive again—whatever your reason, remind yourself of it daily.

Step Six: Consider Career Coaching or Counseling

Rebuilding a career after divorce can be both a professional and emotional journey. Sometimes, it helps to have a guide. Career coaches can help you identify transferable skills, polish your résumé, and strategize your next move. Meanwhile, therapists or support groups can help you process the emotional layers of change and loss.

These professionals offer perspective when you’re too close to see clearly. They can help you turn confusion into clarity, and self-doubt into self-direction.

Step Seven: Explore All Your Options

This is your moment to get creative. Whether you want to climb back into the corporate world, switch industries, or finally pursue that long-held dream, the possibilities are wide open. Here are a few reinvention paths worth exploring:

1. Returning to the Workforce

If you’ve been out of the job market for a while, start by updating your skills and learning the latest tools or technologies in your field. Many companies now offer “returnship” programs designed specifically for professionals re-entering after a career break.

2. Starting a Business

If independence calls your name, consider entrepreneurship. Starting small—through freelancing, consulting, or an online shop—lets you build income while testing your ideas. Divorce often sparks a desire for autonomy, and building your own business can be deeply empowering.

3. Changing Careers Entirely

Sometimes, divorce acts as a reset button. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of working in a different industry or pursuing a passion that didn’t fit your old lifestyle. This is your chance to make that leap—with research, planning, and persistence.

4. Pursuing Education or Certification

Investing in education is an investment in your future. Even a short course or professional certification can open doors you didn’t know existed. It’s also a powerful signal to employers that you’re committed to growth and ready for a fresh start.

Step Eight: Practice Self-Compassion

Reinvention isn’t linear. You’ll have setbacks, doubts, and moments when you wonder if you’re strong enough to keep going. You are.

The key is to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend in your situation. Divorce can leave scars, but it also builds strength. Each time you take a step toward financial independence and personal fulfillment, you’re proving to yourself that you can rebuild—not just survive, but truly flourish.

Step Nine: Create a Work-Life Balance That Works for You

As you rebuild, remember that your work should support your life—not consume it. Divorce offers a unique opportunity to redesign your daily rhythm. Maybe that means working fewer hours to spend more time with your children, or maybe it means diving into a new passion project that brings joy and purpose.

Pay attention to how different types of work affect your emotional and physical well-being. The goal isn’t just to earn a paycheck—it’s to create a life that feels whole again.

Step Ten: Celebrate Your Reinvention

At some point, you’ll look back and realize that the person you’ve become—the one who faced loss, uncertainty, and fear—has emerged stronger, wiser, and more self-assured.

Your new career won’t just be a job. It will be a testament to your resilience. A reflection of your growth. A symbol of the fact that even after the most painful endings, new beginnings are always possible.

So when that first paycheck arrives from your new job, business, or freelance gig, take a moment to celebrate. You didn’t just find income—you found yourself.