The gift you can always afford

This time of year most of us can be found tightening our purse strings even as we loosen our belts. It can be disheartening, if not downright frustrating, to feel you can't afford to give substantial or high-end presents to loved ones. But the good news is, you can always give them the perfect gift — the one they likely need most: your thanks.

Appreciation, worth, value, love — these are the gifts that keep on giving and they truly make a difference — a lasting one. This time next year 2014's iPhone or X-Box or jeans style may be passé, but the confidence you inspire in another never goes out of style.

To give means to offer something without expectation of reciprocation. It's an action that benefits both giver and receiver. Gratitude puts a smile on your face, a skip in your step, and paints all you view in hues of goodness and beauty. So why not give yourself and those around you the priceless gift of gratitude. I guarantee they'll love it. Even better, they may regift it!