I thought downsizing would be hard for our family of 4. It ended up changing our lives for the better.

Tech Insider : Business
Family posing for photo
The author's family moved from Texas to Colorado and downsized their home.

Courtesy of Vivaciously Chelsea

I made over $30,000 from my side hustles this year. The extra money is great, but I felt like I never stopped working.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Technology
Woman holding mahjong pieces
The author has a corporate job but also freelances as a writer and teaches mahjong.

Courtesy of the author

My nonprofit celebrates birthdays for families who can't afford them. In 14 years, I've never grown tired of seeing their joy.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Paige Chenault Lohoefer
Paige Chenault Lohoefer founded The Birthday Project in 2012

Courtesy of This be Grace

My family took a weekend trip with my parents. They're still full-time caretakers to my younger siblings, so the time with my kids was priceless.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author's family with her parents in Vermont
The author, right, and her family went on a weekend trip with her parents, and it brought them all closer together.

Courtesy of Kris Ann Valdez

I became a tattoo artist with my dad's support. Tattooing my family was the most meaningful gift I've given.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Style
Woman tattooing
Madi Ford tattooed her family over the holidays.

Courtesy of Madi Ford

My husband and I learned that blending our families was a terrible mistake. Now we live alongside each other.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Family posing for photo
The author married her husband and imagined her life as a "Brady Bunch" family.

Courtesy of the author

I worried my toddler would roam after moving to a bed. A new home security system made me feel safe again.

Tech Insider : Business
boy wearing diaper running in corridor

JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images/Tetra images RF

We live in the Midwest, and my sons stay occupied in the winter with duct tape, cardboard, and trash. They craft all day.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Composite image of the author's son, left, and his robot that he made out of tractor parts and duct tape, right.
The author's kids enjoy making crafts out of duct tape and old tractor parts, including her son's robot Robesy, seen here.

Courtesy of Bethaney Phillips

I stayed home while my family traveled because I needed a break. I loved my alone time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
Woman eating dinner
The author chose to spend the holidays alone and really enjoyed it.

Courtesy of the author

I'm a psychologist and grandmother of 6. Here are 6 ways grandparents can build better relationships with their kids and grandkids.

Tech Insider : Business
Grandma with granchildren
Dale Atkins has six grandkids.

Courtesy of Dale Atkins

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