Honoring Father's Day on Less Than $50

My father passed away in August of 2010, so this year's Father's Day will be celebrated in his memory rather than with him. While my father always encouraged me to be frugal with Father's Day gifts, this year's holiday will take on a special meaning for me as I try to still honor his memory in a way he would've expected. Therefore, here are some cost-effective ways in which you can still celebrate Father's Day even if your father has passed on:

Make a charitable contribution. Perhaps your father had a favorite charity to which he donated time and/or money. You can easily donate $50 or whatever amount of money you deem appropriate to this charity in his honor. If the charity is listed as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, your contribution can even be deducted on your taxes.

Help out a friend/neighbor. A friend or someone in your neighborhood may very well need your help with basic household chores or errands. Perhaps this friend or neighbor even has children who live far away and don't visit him/her very often. Consider the time you spend helping or just visiting this person as the time you would've spent with your father on Father's Day. It costs nothing yet it certainly helps a person in need.

Organize a family potluck. Have each of your family members bring a special dish to pass that your father would've enjoyed eating. Specify that each dish should cost no more than $50 to prepare. On a given day (which can be Father's Day) have your family members come together to reminisce and share a meal in honor of your father.

Volunteer at a long-term care center. Many fathers are living in assisted living facilities, nursing homes or hospices and hardly, if ever, are visited by their friends or children. Consider sparing an hour or two of your time and visiting someone who is facility-bound and lonely. The facility in question can even be the same one that your own father was placed into after his family could no longer adequately care for him.

Pay your respects. Depending on where your father's final resting place is located, you may be able to visit him on Father's Day. You need not bring a big and lavish floral arrangement; instead, focus on simply going out to his burial or other site and spending a few quiet moments reflecting on his life. Such a celebration of his life will probably cost you no more than a few gallons of gas.