Question

So we are just getting started w/ cash envelopes. We have some that are going to be used like sinking funds (like things for field class parties etc for the kids, Christmas, etc). How do you handle when things come up before you've sunk enough into the envelope? I basically just didn't to a valentines gift for. My son's teacher because there's nothing in it, and I kind of feel like a jerk lol. And things like medical stuff (Co pays, prescriptions not like hospital bills). Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question. I'm just having trouble wrapping my mind around it all.  

Answer 1

Don’t worry about not having a gift for your son’s teacher! I student taught last year on Valentine’s Day and subbed today and no teacher that I have worked with would mind!  

Answer 2

As a teacher, I have never received a Valentine's gift.  write him/her a note of appreciation. Also email the principal your compliments. Way more appreciated and free. But as to your question, it does take time to adjust and build them up. Be as frugal as you can, and try to transfer from another envelope when you are stuck.  

Answer 3

If people are giving VALENTINE'S gifts to their children's teachers, I think we've gone overboard. I don't think teachers really expect gifts for every little occasion that comes up. and most teachers I know GROAN at the idea of another "teachery" gift. If you want to honor a special teacher, write them a nice note. send a copy to their boss for their permanent record. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper praising the teacher. Just SAY thank you and add what you're particularly thankful for. The mere idea you're stressing over giving this gift kind of tells me that even parents with school-age children are feeling pressure to bombard the teacher with "things" they don't really need/want that don't fit into the giver's budget.  

Comments

@pons5698 I agree! And I am a teacher. We sensible, frugal types need to stick together and say no to pressure over things like this, completely unnecessary expenditure, time and worry. Although I receive some holiday gifts, I never expect them and never feel as if a parent doesn't care or is a slacker if I don't get one. Really, a handwritten note from student or parent is the best! Tell the principal or district administrator, the bestest!  

Answer 4

I gave my sons teacher a hand written Thank you card with a $10 Starbucks card. Just to say we appreciate her hard work. I used the Miscellaneous envelope.  

Answer 5

My kids teacher got the teacher card out of the valentine pack he bought. I don't think it's a big deal

Answer 6

My son goes to a teeny tiny preschool. Like 30 kids in the whole school. I didn't think much of it until parents came with huge bouquets of flowers, and boxes of chocolates and gifts. There's so much stuff coming up I can't help but feel stressed. Like if we don't pay into say the Christmas envelope, so we can build up the school and medical envelopes, what do we do when the time comes to need the Christmas money. I know christmas isn't a "need" like medications and stuff. I'm just trying to make sense of it all. We are trying to get a snowball going and we're still in a deficit as it is.