I wanted a big festive tree this year. I wasn't expecting the $370 price tag at our local tree lot.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A split image of a boy decorating a Christmas tree and a black and white photo of a little girl standing next to a tree.
The author's son decorates the family holiday tree, and the author stands next to her childhood Christmas tree in the mid-1970s.

Courtesy of Stanislav Skočík/the author

My husband used ChatGPT to write our anniversary card. Surprisingly, I'm not mad about it.

Tech Insider : Business
The silhouette of a couple embracing each other.

LightFieldStudios/Getty Images/iStockphoto

I'm an entrepreneur who never went to college and taught my kids to avoid debt. They both decided to go to college anyway.

Tech Insider : Business
terrina taylor's daughter weating a maryland univeristy sweatshirt
The author's daughter decided to attend college.

Courtesy of Terrina Taylor

I wanted to prioritize travel for my family of 5, so I learned how to maximize credit card points and started a travel fund

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author with her family in Maui.
The author booked a trip for her family to Maui using credit card points for the car rental and the flights.

Courtesy of Kris Ann Valdez

My partner and I moved in with my mom when I had our baby. I wouldn't have survived without her help.

Tech Insider : Business
Photo of a senior woman and her daughters looking down on a baby

AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

My husband and I decided not to post our son's face on social media. It has its challenges, but we think it's worth it.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
The author with her husband and son while apple picking.
The author and her husband have chosen to only post photos of their son online where his face isn't showing.

Courtesy of Rebecca Strong

Unlike Taylor Swift, I argue with my partner every day. We've been together for 30 years.

Tech Insider : Business
Couple arguing

Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images

Relocating for a new job was never a big deal. Having kids changed things; we're not moving now, even for a big opportunity.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her family pose inside a home.
The author and her husband decided to put down roots once they had children.

Courtesy of Candy Mickels Mejia

I threw a dinner party to avoid spending money on holiday gifts for friends. Now, it's my annual tradition.

Tech Insider : Business
Jamie Valentino and her friends using finger guns at a dinner party
The author (right) hosts dinner parties for his friends.

Courtesy of Jamie Valentino

I thought reality TV was trash, then 'Real Housewives' helped me connect with my daughter while she's at college

Tech Insider : Business
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF SALT LAKE CITY -- Pictured: (l-r) Britani Bateman, Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas--
The author never thought she'd be tuning in to a show like "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" regularly. But watching the antics of castmates like Britani Bateman, Heather Gay, and Angie Katsanevas has helped her connect with her 22-year-old daughter.

Bryan Schnitzer/Bravo

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