It’s graduation time and I have received so many announcements. I always give a monetary gift and a nice card. I start picking up cards in May to add to my collection. Each year I come up with a budget based on the number of grads, this year being an incredibly large group. There is always a spike in the years when my kids graduate. I come up with a scale starting with 8th graders, continuing on to those graduating from professional schools. I tweak the scale for family members and close friends, but I always acknowledge all. Denominations between $25.00 to $100.00 are appropriate, although most will be grateful for any dollar amount. Giving a cash gift is perfect and it will definitely get used.
I’m also a fan of books for new graduates. Here are a few that I especially like:
10 1/2 Things No Commencement Speaker has Ever Said (11.75) , by Charles Wheelan
Personal finance in your 20’s for Dummies (10.39), by Eric Tyson
The Money Book for The Young, Fabulous & Broke (10.88) , by Suze Orman
Gigi