My mother prepared for retirement, but a dementia diagnosis wiped out her savings. I had to scramble to figure out her care.

Tech Insider : Business
Anna De La Cruz and her mother
The author (left) had to care for her mother's finances after a dementia diagnosis.

Courtesy of Ala Landin

My mom has built an incredible life for herself in her 60s. I still learn valuable life lessons during our weekly visits.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Author Alexa Mellardo smiling with her mom
My mom gives great advice and always reminds me to cherish the small moments in life.

Alexa Mellardo

I'm alone for the holidays for the first time, and I'm thrilled

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author with her kids and dog in Christmas pajamas.
The author has been the holiday planner for her family in previous years.

Courtesy of Asha Dore

We're raising our kids to speak three languages, and it's not as hard as people think.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Kids reading a book
The author is raising her kids to speak German, Dutch, and English.

Courtesy of the author

I left my university in Milan to study in a much smaller town. I loved the lower cost of living and slower pace.

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Via Donato Bramante with Palazzo Albani which houses the headquarters of the University of Urbino, the Institute of Art History, the Institute of Archaeology and the Presidencies of Political Sciences and Education Sciences. Urbino (Italy), April 4th, 2024
The author left the busy streets of Milan for a slower pace at the University of Urbino.

Marta Carenzi/Archivio Marta Carenzi/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

My family has been vacationing in Punta del Este for decades. It's a hidden gem in South America.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Punta del Este's beach, aerial view, drone point of view, sand and ocean, Uruguay. Image taken outdoors, daylight, in summer.

ElOjoTorpe/Getty Images

Christmas Eve is my late wife's birthday. This year, instead of crying, I'll celebrate the good times we had.

Tech Insider : Business
Couple posing for photos in the snow
The author's late wife's birthday was Christmas Eve.

Courtesy of the author

I used to want material things from my family for the holidays. Now that my kids are teenagers, I just want to spend time with them.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her family going to a holiday dinner. They're all dressed up and smiling.
The author now just wants to spend time with her family for the holidays.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

When my son moved back home after college, he started attending church again — but a different one from mine. I felt rejected.

Tech Insider : Business
Katy M Clark and her son
The author (right) was upset when her son said he wants to go to a different church.

Courtesy of Katy M. Clark

I got laid off before the holidays. My family of 7 depends on my income, but I'm trying not to panic.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Woman at library
The author has five kids and no stable income.

Courtesy of the author

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