Not exact matches
If you've received a big check recently, such as a
gift from family to help with a down payment, the lender may require a letter
from the person who gave the money explaining that it's a
gift and won't be required to pay it
back.
Major Val Mylechreest for The Salvation Army, which commissioned the study, said: «Taking a step
back from buys and wrapping
gifts means we can really appreciate the time we have with
family and friends at this time of year.
We are down to the nub - end of the year, with holidays piling on top of each other in a blizzard of
family, home, friends, food,
gifts, gratitude, and a new perspective gained
from looking forward to the new year as much as looking
back over the ruins of the old.
They realize there's a lot more sacrifice to come and the list of areas they need to cut
back is proving challenging: $ 20,000 on groceries («We've always used a grocery service because with Sheila's job we never had time to shop»); $ 10,640 for personal trainers («They come to the house and put us through our paces»); $ 12,000 on clothes and haircuts («Mostly for the kids»); $ 6,000 on
gifts («We have a large extended
family»); $ 10,000 for an annual
family vacation («Having the kids visit Sheila's
family back home in Poland is important to us»); as well as $ 5,000 for miscellaneous expenses («Mostly unaccounted - for cash withdrawals
from ATM machines»).
If you're getting down payment assistance
from a friend or
family member, you will need a letter
from the giver stating that the money is not a loan but a
gift that does not have to be paid
back.
They can receive it is a
gift from a
family member — but no more cash -
back from the lender used for down payment.
Steeped in centuries of holiday traditions, these epicenters of good cheer feature hundreds of vendors selling everything
from regional handicrafts, to local delicacies and sweets, warm wine (it's amazing), hot cocoa, and so many wacky and interesting
gifts for friends and
family back home that you'll need another travel backpack.