San Francisco is a foodie city with more than enough restaurants to satisfy any craving. The last few times I've made reservations at places that usually require them, I've looked around thinking that I didn't need to bother calling ahead. The one exception was when I dined at the Italian restaurant that changed its pricing scheme to offer cheaper portions of the same quality dishes. Have you noticed that restaurants aren't as busy they used to be?
Source
How quickly we forget! We claim that this holiday season won't be as costly as the last, but how can we be sure? If last year's holidays are a blur of parties, cookies, and mistletoe, dig up your credit card or bank statements from the end of last year to get an idea of how much you spent last year on new party clothes, gifts, and the cost of hosting gatherings.
A gift card isn't considered as thoughtful as something chosen especially for the recipient, but it's still a nice gesture and can make a great stocking stuffer. When companies go bankrupt they usually refuse to honor outstanding gift cards, and this uncertain economic climate has businesses using advertising to channel any bankruptcy concerns. For example, J.C. Penney is delivering the message that "you can feel good about giving a J. C. Penney gift card."
The Salvation Army bell-ringing is as much an expected part of the holiday season as department store Christmas music and the seasonal flavors at Starbucks. Because so many people roll cash-free these days, this is the first year the organization is experimenting with accepting debit and credit card donations. The standard red kettle will still play a role in holding cash contributions, but five bell-ringers in El Paso County, CO will also have the ability to swipe cards. What do you think of this charitable development, is it brilliant or baffling?
