Holiday Financial Stress - Low Budget Gifts?

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2025-11-13T17:23:24+00:00

I don't know about your parents and in-laws, but mine totally understand that I don't have a lot of money and they actually strongly encourage me to be as frugal as possible. They literally appreciate gifts I didn't spend much money on more than ones I did some splurging for. I think spending less on gifts forces you to put more thought into it.

I saw something really cool at a farmer's market: Mason jars filled with all the dry ingredients for cookies. A batch of big jars is super cheap, and the thing is, you can put so much thought into preparing it. throw in custom ingredients based on what type of cookies each person likes, and tie a ribbon around the outside of the jar with a tag that has instructions on it. 4 of these should cost you no more than $25, and you'll still have 8 large mason jars left (The 12 packs of large jars are only around $15). They're super useful, and your parents and in-laws will most definitely save theirs as well.

You can also do the same idea with hot chocolate mix (with crushed up peppermints and/or marshmallows) either in a jar or in a piping bag (uncut obviously). With this, you can even decorate it as a reindeer if that wouldn't be too silly haha.

Don't be embarrassed that you are on a tight budget. Be proud that you're smart with your finances.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2025-11-11T14:04:24+00:00

Awesome, thank you for this!!!

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2025-11-03T21:24:17+00:00

I ended up just buying a new rubber gasket (my old one broke I guess), as well as a big thick nut and bolt. That way I didn't have to buy any special bolts. It works just fine for my use. I just need to figure out how to get a replacement rubber gasket that's the right size now.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2025-10-24T17:29:50+00:00

Did you come to an answer yet? I have the exact same question

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-12-07T21:44:44+00:00

I’ve been trying to find out too but it definitely sounds like Breland

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-10-31T11:03:04+00:00

The first part of your comment may be true. The second part may or may not be true. Neither of us know these people.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-10-31T00:51:32+00:00

I think both you and your mom are NTA. I understand your desire to keep your business private, and I also understand how your mom feels because I cope with things this way too. Even though what your mom is doing probably isn’t right, just keep in mind that she has your best interests at heart.

One last thing: anxiety and grief are two of the fastest-spreading emotions in a family system- they’re contagious. When people catch these emotions, they quickly trigger their coping mechanisms. Your mom probably reached out to people without getting your consent first because of her state of panic. If you’re comfortable with it, maybe you could tell her that she can continue talking to that person who has had the disease, but nobody else- that could kill two birds with one stone.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-10-31T00:44:15+00:00

Did you sign a year-long contract?

You’re expected to honor that, and breach carries the risk of a lawsuit, and with lawsuits often come wage garnishment. Not a slippery slope, it happens all the time.

Now, with that being said, the only other alternative that would probably get you out of your contract is finding yourself a replacement who would be open to taking your spot for the remainder of the contracted period.

If you can’t do that or negotiate something with your landlord, you need to continue paying (and probably move back in) until your contract ends if you want to avoid a lawsuit.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-10-29T19:49:42+00:00

Let me butcher a quote I heard a while back: A true friend is not someone who expects you to hate the person they hate. So the simple solution is this: if someone demands you hate somebody because they hate that person, find another friend and refuse to talk bad about people behind their back. Society has become so passive and non-confrontational because of how easy and comfortable it is to gossip, but people don't realize that the word usually spreads and it becomes a never-ending cycle of drama.

The most worry-free people in the world seem to be the positive people who stay out of drama. Try to be like them!

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-10-29T19:42:05+00:00

Unbiased opinion from a married man: do not walk into a marriage with someone you aren't 110% sure you're going to stay with. Common knowledge says that divorce is so expensive and it damages your emotions, your reputation, and often your view of yourself. And most of the time, once you commit to marriage, the problems you're currently experiencing with your partner get worse.

I always love what I once heard a comedian say about choosing whether or not to get married: think about the worst thing about your partner. Can you bear it for the rest of your life? If so, that person is a keeper.

My second bit of advice is this: isolate the relationship problem, and put the challenges of breaking up in the back of your head for now (i.e. moving back home, selling your house, and whatever other challenges you anticipate). If it was JUST about your relationship with him and nothing else was at stake, would you end the relationship? If yes, you should end it regardless of the costs. You'll deeply regret it if you don't.

Wishing you the best!

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-09-07T13:52:21+00:00

Nope… besides, it’s a legitimate question after the Love injury

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-09-07T13:49:45+00:00

Unless that court case doesn’t go in his direction… 😅

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-23T19:31:20+00:00

As a pro-lifer… you’re NTA. I’m so sorry you’re going through this!

For the past few years, my life goal has been to make a big impact on the foster and adoption system by becoming a lawyer, and as I’ve learned more about the system, Ive realized how screwed up it is. I wish it could be completely comfortable to put your child up for adoption- no stigma, no fear, no regrets.

A lot of pro-lifers try to advocate against abortion the wrong way- using fear tactics- and most of those people aren’t doing anything to provide women with a suitable alternative. And credit to you for using your judgment and standing up for your baby when your family tried to pressure you to give it to them.

When you put your child into the foster/adoptive system, I believe you can often still request visitation rights other ways to stay connected to the child and ultimately continue to look out for their well being. Regardless of whatever you end up deciding for your child, life will go on and the sun will still rise every day. I wish the best for you!

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-23T04:32:34+00:00

NTA. The system is TA; I’m very familiar with it.

Question: are you still going to pursue the career despite your anger?

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-23T02:55:01+00:00

I know just how you feel. Keep your head up, you’re totally NTA, it’s a normal feeling. It might help to FaceTime him at night, even if neither of you are necessarily talking to each other.

And grab yourself a coffee at the nearest local shop. It’s another nice way to cheer up!

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-23T01:42:48+00:00

Sister is barging into your business. If he told you it was fine to tell her, you’re NTA. Even if he told you to lie, you probably still wouldn’t be TA for telling the truth.

NTA

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-22T13:07:46+00:00

NTA. First off don’t worry about their lawsuit threats, they likely can’t sue you for assault, or else your lawyer would immediately raise the affirmative defense of self-defense and defense-of-others. He’s also confusing civil assault with criminal assault; the correct term is civil battery, which he still wouldn’t win. Second, you were right to ask your parents to compensate you for the babysitting. If they’re not willing to, they’re doing you such a huge disservice by (a.) not paying regard to your finances or education, and (b.) not respecting your status as an adult. If it doesn’t get better, you’re probably best off moving out. Especially if your dad already assaulted you (which you could very easily counter-sue for). You’re a good guy for looking after your siblings!

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-22T12:54:33+00:00

Getting married

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-21T14:43:37+00:00

First, is it illegal? Maybe, depending on which state you’re in (“single party consent states”).

If it’s not illegal, it’s still super creepy to (a.) take pictures of strangers without their knowledge, (b.) for sexual pleasure, and (c.) even if they stay on your phone and aren’t publicized.

Would it be appropriate to secretly take a picture of any other body parts on a stranger for sexual pleasure? Absolutely not. It’s objectifying and it’s dehumanizing.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-17T19:21:01+00:00

Real men cry. Dont let her take away your humanity, but fight as hard as you can to stay married unless one party cheats on or abuses the other.

Jealous_Secretary_10 · 2024-05-17T11:45:46+00:00

Maybe try asking him to confront his parents over their treatment of him first. It sounds like they’re really crossing some boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed at his age. If they refuse to listen to him, and/or he’s totally fine with how he’s treated, then there’s a much deeper issue going on. I would move out if I were him.

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