I'm the eldest sibling and feel financial pressure during the holidays. I'm making less money this year and don't want to let my family down.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman sitting at table with Christmas gifts, using calculator to add up budget
The author (not pictured) had to figure out a holiday budget this year.

Anna Ostanina/Getty Images

I was worried about my adult children connecting with my new partner, but traveling together helped us feel like a family

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Samantha Priestly, her two daughters, daughter's boyfriend, and partner smiling with wine
My partner, daughters, younger daughter's boyfriend, and I have gone on amazing trips.

Samantha Priestly

I guilt-tripped my teen into joining a family Christmas tradition. I'm mourning the days when my kids loved the holidays.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin and her family with a snowy background
The author (far left) and her family while hunting for their Christmas tree.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

Aldi isn't my family's primary grocery store, but I'll always make a special trip there for these 8 things

Tech Insider : Business
A composite image of boxes of turtle-shaped baked-cheddar crackers and a hand holding a pink box of Disney-princess shoes with Ariel from
Aldi has a great selection of snacks and other fun items.

Anne James

I've been on over a dozen multigenerational family vacations. We book separate accommodations and talk about money before leaving.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Multigenerational family crossing a bridge over water on a hike.
The author (not pictured) has been on multiple multigenerational family vacations over the years.

Fly View Productions/Getty Images

I thought I didn't want kids. My father's sudden death changed my mind.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
A woman and a man lounge under a green umbrella on a beach.
Here, my dad and I are enjoying a sunny day in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil. Unexpectedly losing him after a heart attack made me realize that having kids was something I might want to do after all.

D.C. Macedo

My family tried 20 of Costco's premade meals, and we'd buy almost all of them again

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Kirkland Signature premade meals together on a counter
My family tried Kirkland Signature prepared meals from Costco to find the best options.

Ted Berg

I hiked the Appalachian Trail with my family of 4. We ran out of water on the second day and faced a dire situation.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Victoria Marie Lees and her children hiking with backpacks and blankets
The author (far right) and her two children while on a hiking trip.

Courtesy of Victoria Marie Lees

I skip family gatherings to solo travel. The perks are so good that I won't be home for the holidays anytime soon.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman stands with luggage watching the sunset at an airport window while a plane lands.
I've been traveling solo for the holidays since 2017.

TravelCouples/Getty Images

Ballerina Farm is building an educational center for day-trippers

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm cutting bread
Hannah Neeleman, known online as Ballerina Farm.

TikTok/@ballerinafarm

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