SAN DIEGO — Chanukah is early this year! To help prepare, our Money Maven, Sheryl Rowling, has asked the Chanukah fairy to step in!
Dear Chanukah Fairy,
The menorah oil magically lasted for eight nights? How can I make my money last for eight nights of gifts?
Distressed,
Dan
Dear Dan,
You are such a meshugenah! Chanukah isn’t about spending money, it’s about eating gelt! Play the dreidel game with the kids, take their gelt, then wrap it up for eight nights of gifts!
Sarcastically,
The Chanukah Fairy
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Dear Chanukah Fairy,
After that last question, I’m almost afraid to ask, but here goes. I’ve been trying to watch my weight, yet Chanukah food is greasy! Potato latkes, jelly doughnuts, oh my! Any suggestions?
Perplexed,
Polly
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Dear Polly,
When your house is filled with the smell of hot cooking oil and onions, it’s hard to resist potato latkes. I say go for it! Just watch your portions and remember those less fortunate. As a Jewish mother who believes in guilt as a motivator, put some money in the pushke for Hazon (www.hazon.org), Interfaith Community Services (www.interfaithservices.org) or the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry (www.handupyouthfoodpantry.org).
Philanthropically,
The Chanukah Fairy
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Dear Chanukah Fairy,
I don’t want Chanukah to be a big consumer hoopla for the kids. How can we change the focus?
Responsibly,
Ruby
Dear Ruby,
Beside making the holiday about family, friends and stories, consider getting your children involved in charity. Jewish Family Services provides opportunities to “embrace a family”, providing those in need with essential gifts. When my kids were younger, I also had them go through all of their toys choosing only those they wanted to keep. The rest went to charity. This annual tradition taught them the habit of giving, while “making room” for new gifts.
Ethically,
The Chanukah Fairy
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May you all find joy and renewal in the lights of Chanukah!
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Rowling, aka Chanukah Fairy, is a certified public accountant, personal finance specialist, and principal of Rowling & Associates. She may be contacted via sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com
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