Need help finding the perfect gift this holiday season?

From toys and gadgets to clothes and jewelry, the options are endless.

But let’s pause for a moment.

What if, instead of giving something that might lose its sparkle or end up in the back of a closet, you chose to give a gift that lasts a lifetime?

This holiday season, I’m here to advocate for an unconventional but incredibly valuable present: financial literacy.

Think about it. Money is a part of almost every decision we make.

Yet, financial literacy – the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively – is rarely taught in schools or discussed around the dinner table.

Imagine the impact of teaching a teenager how compound interest works.

By starting to invest small amounts early, they can grow a significant nest egg over time without much effort.

Or consider helping a young couple learn how to budget effectively so they can save for a home without the stress of credit card debt.

These lessons don’t just improve finances – they improve lives.

How to Give the Gift of Financial Literacy

1. The Million Mission – If you’ve found this newsletter helpful (regardless of your experience level), consider forwarding this email to a loved one this holiday season. I do my best to take the guesswork out of investing, which makes a great Christmas present that can last a lifetime.

2. Books – A good personal finance book can be life-changing. My favorite titles (for any experience level) include One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.

3. Courses – Online courses or workshops on financial literacy make for a thoughtful and practical gift. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer affordable and even free courses on topics ranging from budgeting to investing.

4. Budgeting Tools – Consider gifting a subscription to a budgeting app like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or Rocket Money. These tools simplify financial management and make tracking expenses easy.

5. Family Discussions – For parents, one of the most meaningful ways to impart financial literacy is through open conversations. Share your own financial experiences (the good and the bad!) and encourage questions.

6. 529 Plans or Investments – For children, consider contributing to a 529 education savings plan or gifting a small amount of stock. Then have them watch and grow the nest egg until their college years.

Unlike trendy gadgets or toys, financial literacy actually grows in value over time.

So, as you’re ticking off your holiday shopping list, consider slipping in a financial literacy gift.

It might not come with fancy wrapping paper or bows, but its impact will be felt long after the holiday lights come down.

Isn’t that what giving is all about?

Happy holidays.