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Not Another Sweater!? Convenience is the No. 1 Reason That Monetary Gifts — Cash, Cards, CDs and Even Crypto — were Popular Gift from Parents and Grandparents, CD Valet Survey Reports

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Tech-Delivered Thank You Notes Suffice, But Grandma Prefers a Visit, Phone Call or Handwritten Note

SEATTLE, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly three-quarters (72%) of parents and grandparents give the gift of green during the holiday season – whether it be cash, check, gift card or investment – because it is an easy and convenient gift that avoids unwanted returns for family members, according to a survey conducted by YouGov for CD Valet.

“Traditionally, giving money was seen as an impersonal and even lazy holiday gift,” said Mary Grace Roske, Head of Marketing for CD Valet. “Those days are gone, as their ease and flexibility make financial gifts high on everyone’s list to give and receive,” she said, adding that while less common than cash and gift cards, investments are recognized as a way to give a gift that grows in value.

The top reasons given by parents and grandparents surveyed for why they’ve given monetary gifts are convenience/ease (66%), avoiding unwanted gifts/returns (45%) and recipient has immediate financial needs (28%). For this group, monetary gifts (72%) top personal technology gifts (55%).  Clothing and toys/games remain most popular, with 82% percent of parents and grandparents reporting that these are their go-to gifts during the holidays. 

Spend Now Gifts vs. Investments (Including Crypto)

Cash or check is the most popular financial gift, followed by gift cards and investments.  The most common gift amount is under $100 (43%), but one percent of respondents report making cash gifts of $2,500 or more. Seventy-six percent of respondents who gave gift cards chose retail brand cards, followed by prepaid debit cards (67%) issued by a credit card company such as Visa. More than half (52%) of the gift cards had value of less than $100 and nearly three in 10 (28%) were between $100 and $250.

The majority of monetary gifts are for the here and now, with only 32 percent of respondents focusing on longer-term financial investments. When gifting investments, 55% of parents and grandparents who have done so said contributing to the future financial security of family members was the primary motivation. Forty-three percent 43% aim to educate their family about investing and financial planning. Tax benefits and federal tax-allowable gifts to family are a factor for 25% of participants, while 18% consider estate planning as a reason.

The tried-and-true savings bonds are the investment of choice for 42% of investment gift givers, while 29% have contributed to 529 College Savings Plans. Equities or stocks were selected by 22%, and 14% opted for cryptocurrency.

Notably, 25% of participants highlighted Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as a preferred investment gift. CDs are particularly appealing due to their low risk and predictable returns, making them an excellent choice for securing the financial future of children and grandchildren. “CDs’ popularity has grown in recent years,” said Roske. “Higher interest rates have delivered savers better returns and given that federal deposit insurance safeguards the risk to principal, CDs make an ideal financial gift.”

Generosity Comes with Strings Attached — Sometimes

Monetary gifts often come with strings attached. Among respondents who have given investments, 37% have specified that the funds be used for educational purposes, while 19% have earmarked them for housing and 16% for debt reduction. Additionally, 33% of respondents impose age-related restrictions, ensuring the recipient cannot access the funds until reaching a certain age. Nearly four in 10 (39%) of participants reported never placing any restrictions on investments.  

“Paying up for rent or a mortgage while trying to pay down your debt is the double whammy facing a lot of young adults and families,” Roske noted, “so it’s not surprising that a third of financial gifts are earmarked for these two areas.”

Expecting a Thank You Note/Text/Call? Don’t Hold Your Breath

Expressing gratitude is perhaps an art in need of greater practice amongst children and grandchildren, according to survey results.  Among parents, 40% always receive a thank you, while 19% often do, and 18% sometimes do. However, 15% of parents never receive any form of thanks. Grandparents fare worse, however, with 34% always receiving a thank you, 32% saying they often or sometimes do, but a notable 24% never getting any acknowledgment.

When it comes to preferred ways of receiving thanks, traditional methods are favored: 20% of parents and grandparents prefer voice calls and 14% prefer handwritten notes. While technology-driven channels like texts (9%) and video calls (6%) are acceptable, they are less preferred. Interestingly, 32% are open to any form of acknowledgment, and 9% do not expect a thank you message at all.

The research which was conducted by YouGov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 3286 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th – 23rd December 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+). YouGov conducts polls on the Internet about politics, public affairs, products, brands and other topics of general interest. YouGov polls are taken by people, from all over the nation, who have agreed to share their thoughts on a wide variety of important issues.

CD Valet is an online marketplace connecting consumers with financial institutions to compare and open Certificates of Deposits (CD) with the most competitive rates and terms nationwide. Unlike other rate comparison sites, CD Valet shows the most competitive rates from financial institutions across the nation, from the smallest credit unions and community banks to the largest nationwide and internet banks. With daily rate updates and earnings calculators, CD Valet gives consumers comprehensive data and free tools to help them find the right CD to meet their savings goals. CD Valet, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seattle Bancshares, Inc. Visit CDValet.com

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SOURCE CD Valet

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CasinoPartiesLLC.com Expands Premier Casino Party Rentals in Manhattan, NY — Authentic Tables, Professional Dealers, Custom Packages for Corporate & Private Events

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Top-rated Manhattan casino party rental company offers fully staffed blackjack, roulette and craps experiences to elevate corporate events, weddings and private parties across New York City

MANHATTAN, N.Y., May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CasinoPartiesLLC.com, a leading provider of casino party rentals in Manhattan, NY, today announced expanded availability and new customizable event packages for corporate events, private parties, fundraisers and weddings throughout New York City. With authentic casino tables, professional and entertaining dealers, premium play-money chips and signage, CasinoPartiesLLC.com delivers a turnkey casino entertainment experience that brings the excitement of Las Vegas to Manhattan venues.

“CasinoPartiesLLC.com delivers authentic casino table rentals and professional dealers throughout Manhattan, NY — offering turnkey, customizable packages that transform corporate events, weddings and fundraisers into high‑energy, engaging experiences across Midtown, Chelsea and the Upper East Side.”

Focused on delivering safe, legal and memorable experiences, CasinoPartiesLLC.com offers:

Casino table rentals: blackjack, roulette, craps, poker tables sized for intimate and large gatheringsProfessional dealers and croupiers trained in guest interaction and game managementFully customizable packages: themed décor, tournament-style play, prize support, and multi-table setupsPortable, all-inclusive service: setup, teardown, on-site management, and event coordinationService across Manhattan neighborhoods and greater NYC, including Midtown, Upper East Side, Chelsea, and downtown venues

“Our Manhattan clients want authentic casino entertainment without the hassle of sourcing equipment or personnel,” said Ismael Qureshi, CEO of CasinoPartiesLLC.com. “We specialize in seamless casino party rentals in Manhattan, NY, providing professional dealers and tailored packages that fit corporate budgets and private event needs while complying with local regulations.”

Benefits for Manhattan event planners and hosts:

Boost guest engagement with interactive casino entertainmentEasy logistics with single-vendor solutions for gaming, staffing and prize handlingScalable options for small private parties to large corporate galasProven experience executing events in Manhattan hotels, event spaces and private residences

Booking and availability:

CasinoPartiesLLC.com is currently accepting bookings for summer and fall events across Manhattan and greater New York City. Early reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates, table counts and themed packages.

About CasinoPartiesLLC.com:

CasinoPartiesLLC.com is a premier provider of casino party rentals in Manhattan, NY and the New York City area. Specializing in staffed casino tables, custom event packages and professional service, CasinoPartiesLLC.com helps event planners and hosts create high-energy, memorable experiences for corporate functions, weddings, fundraisers and private celebrations. For more information or to request a quote, visit https://www.CasinoPartiesLLC.com.

Media contact:

Ismael Qureshi

President

CasinoPartiesLLC.com

Phone: (917) 829-8481

Email: Sales@casinopartiesLLC.com

Website: https://www.CasinoPartiesLLC.com

Media Contact

Ismael Qureshi, ISH Events LLC, 1 (917) 829-8481, Ismael@CasinoPartiesLLC.com, CasinoPartiesLLC.com

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SOURCE CasinoPartiesLLC.com

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PS Hogan highlights investments from Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for All to support Canada’s sport system

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CALGARY, AB, May 2, 2026 /CNW/ – In Budget 2025, we outlined our plan to build Canada Strong. Since then, we have moved fast to build the major infrastructure, homes and industries that grow Canada’s economy and create lasting prosperity; empower Canadians with better careers and a more affordable life; and protect our communities, our borders and our way of life.

We delivered concrete savings for Canadians while supporting key national priorities and keeping investments focused on results. We are maintaining a strong fiscal position, with the Spring Economic Update 2026 showing that projected deficits are lower over the fiscal horizon and that we are on track to meet our fiscal anchors.

The Spring Economic Update 2026 is the next step in our plan to build Canada Strong for All. It provides a clear update on the strength of Canada’s economy, giving Canadians confidence in our plan. It delivers targeted relief to make life more affordable, support workers and accelerate the construction of homes and major infrastructure. It also strengthens Canada’s competitiveness and economic growth while investing in strong, safe communities across the country.

Today, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation, met with athletes at Foothills Athletic Park to highlight key investments in sport from the Spring Economic Update to build stronger and safer communities.

The Government of Canada is investing $755 million to support and expand Canada’s sport system, which will help athletes safely train and perform at the highest levels. This will increase sport participation across the country by strengthening national sport organizations, infrastructure and local sport communities.

Canada’s new government is transforming our economy from reliance to resilience. The Spring Economic Update 2026 ensures all Canadians can participate in building Canada strong and share in its success. Other key measures include:

The Canada Strong Fund — Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund. This will invest in key, strategic Canadian projects and companies. While Canadians will benefit from these nation building projects through jobs, economic growth and greater security, the government is determined to ensure that Canadians also have a stake in the projects themselves. That’s why a unique and important feature of the Canada Strong Fund will be its new retail investment product. This allows Canadians to receive financial returns as we build Canada strong together.Team Canada Strong — a new nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trade workers by 2030–31. This initiative creates new opportunities for Canadians and attracts the workers needed to build more homes and major projects at speed and at scale.Building Stronger Communities — by making communities safer, more connected and more resilient. We are building more homes, getting tougher on crime and fraud and funding essential infrastructure, including small craft harbours that sustain coastal communities and local jobs. We are also investing to build healthier, safer and stronger Indigenous communities.

Our new government is building a Canada that is not just strong, but good; not just prosperous, but fair. A Canada that is not just for some, most of the time, but for all, at all times. We’re building Canada strong, for all.

Quote

“The Spring Economic Update 2026 builds on the momentum of our budget, combining strategic investments with sustained fiscal discipline to keep building Canada Strong for All — delivering prosperity today and strengthening our economy for tomorrow. At this pivotal moment in Canada’s history, we’re charting a course through the fog of uncertainty and global headwinds with strength, determination and ambition — and building one strong Canadian economy, by Canadians, for Canadians.”
— The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue 

“The Government of Canada is building Canada Strong by investing in what brings us together — our people, our communities and our athletes. By strengthening the foundation of Calgary and  Canada’s sport system, we are building a resilient economy and strong communities for all.”
— Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation

Quick Facts

The Spring Economic Update 2026 proposes to provide $755 million over five years, starting in 2026–27, and $118 million ongoing to Canadian Heritage to support Canada’s sport system to: Host and compete with the best: $50 million over five years to bring more world-class sporting events to Canada. Funding will be tied to legacy-building projects that deliver lasting benefits well beyond the events themselves. Facilities built or upgraded for major events will continue to serve communities, support grassroots participation and strengthen local sport systems for years to come. Support our athletes in performing at the highest levels: $45 million over five years and $8 million ongoing to help our athletes train, compete and perform, including support for better mental health and funding that will be linked to robust safe sport measures and frameworks. These actions will strengthen the sport system and respond to some of the findings of the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission while the government continues to consider all of its Calls to Action. Get more Canadians involved in sport: $660 million over five years and $110 million ongoing for National Sport Organisations, increasing funding that has remained largely unchanged since 2005, so that they can invest in a strong and safe sport system and grow participation among children and youth nationwide.

Related products

Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for AllSpring Economic Update 2026: Key MeasuresSpring Economic Update 2026: Address by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue  

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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POVADDO AND PROLEGIS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PUBLIC POLICY PROFESSIONALS FOR OPINION RESEARCH

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Partnership connects policy professionals using Prolegis’ modernized Congressional platform with Povaddo’s exclusive paid research panel, combining forces to serve the policymaking community

ST. LOUIS and WASHINGTON, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Povaddo, a leading provider of public opinion and policy elite research, has announced a strategic partnership with Prolegis, a nonpartisan technology platform serving thousands of policy professionals in Congress and the advocacy community. The partnership will expand the reach of the Povaddo Panel—an exclusive network of nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide—while providing Prolegis users new opportunities to contribute their expertise to policy research.

Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, the platform serves as a natural intersection where policy professionals and issue advocacy campaigns meet, making it an ideal environment for connecting researchers with the experts shaping public policy.

Beginning this month, users of the Prolegis platform will be invited to join the Povaddo Panel and become eligible to participate in research studies tailored specifically for public policy professionals.

“There is no shortage of so-called ‘expert network’ firms, but Povaddo is setting the standard when it comes to building the most rigorous and credible network of public policy professionals in the U.S. and beyond,” said William Stewart, President of Povaddo. “What makes Prolegis the right partner is the quality and relevance of their community—these are precisely the professionals our clients most want to hear from. Prolegis users are actively engaged in policy work daily, making them ideal participants for our research studies. This partnership will meaningfully accelerate our efforts.”

“Prolegis exists to serve the policy community with tools that make their work more effective,” said Jim Gianiny, CEO of Prolegis. “Partnering with Povaddo allows our users to contribute their expertise in a new way and take part in rigorous research that helps organizations better understand the policy landscape. It’s a natural extension of what our platform already does: connecting policy professionals with the resources and opportunities that matter to their work.”

Launched in 2018, the Povaddo Panel was built to meet growing demand for research insights from individuals who shape, influence, and analyze public policy as part of their daily work. Over the past eight years, the panel has grown to nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide, including over 2,000 in the United States. Many panelists are former elected officials, including former Members of Congress.

This partnership is part of a broader period of momentum for Povaddo. The company recently announced it is launching a quarterly omnibus survey among public policy professionals in the United States and Europe.

“Companies and other organizations that want to understand what public policy professionals think—whether about their brand or an issue they are facing—now have a new way of doing that. Our new omnibus survey among public policy professionals fills an important need in the research services marketplace,” said Brooke Hayes, Executive Vice President of Povaddo, who oversees the Povaddo Panel and the firm’s new omnibus research service among public policy professionals.

Additionally, Povaddo recently released select findings from its survey of public policy professionals in the U.S. and Europe regarding their attitudes towards AI. In an era when political consensus is elusive, this study finds widespread agreement within policy communities on both sides of the Atlantic that government regulation of AI should be increased.

About Povaddo: Povaddo specializes in public opinion and policy elite research. Founded in 2009, Povaddo is recognized as a trusted advisor to top-tier organizations seeking to navigate complex issues management, strategic communications, corporate reputation, and business transformation challenges. Most of the firm’s clients sit within external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government affairs, regulatory affairs, scientific affairs, corporate communications, business planning and strategy. For more information, please visit www.povaddo.com.

About Prolegis: Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, Prolegis delivers innovative solutions, efficient tools, and engaging content, all on one easy-to-use platform. The platform serves Congressional staff, think tank scholars, and public affairs professionals, creating a unique intersection where policy expertise and advocacy meet. For more information, please visit www.prolegis.com.

Media Inquiries: William Stewart, +1 (855) 768-2336, stewart@povaddo.com

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SOURCE POVADDO LLC

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