Phrase of the day: milestone announcent. In other words: send a gift card, or better yet,

send atleast $50 - because sending only $25 is just an updated poor-gramma sending a measly $10 (which she could barely afford back in '80-something.  These hallmark-holidays/occasions are nothing but financial manipulation.  And most of us have taken the bait atleast one time or another.  Every year, millions of people go ever further into debt because they're convinced, they must continue playing the facade.  

Could start this next sentence with, "as a senior citizen..."  Bunk.  Even when young, very much resented throwing money at people - especially people who, any other time of the year, didn't know i existed.  Resoundingly YES, am tight with money.  Frankly, over the years, had i participated in the $tupid facade - being that a $20 here, a $50 there can, after awhile, add up to one or more unpaid credit card balances/home equity loans.  

So, who'se gonna help me if i end up in financial dutch?  Silly question.  Frankly, (having come from a social darwinistic background - which is very hard to shake) the best anyone - who doesn't have even remotely near  half a million in the bank - is to remain independent for as long as possible.