It’s a great feeling when you’re all decked out for the holidays and you’re still within your budget!!
But you have to start early.
If you want to have zero stress and a hefty savings fund to pull from by the time Christmas gets here, you need to be proactive.
- Start a Christmas fund early.
You’ll thank yourself come December when you’ve set aside enough money to cover everyone on your list.
- Don’t host alone.
While hosting might be your thing, but it’s costly and you might just spend your time at the party stressing over the money you spent instead of spreading holiday cheer. Consider teaming up with a co-host (or a few!) this year rather than going at it alone. Party planning will be more fun for you and your wallet.
- Give DIY a try.
Look online for Do-It-Yourself gift ideas and make a decision to give more personal, less costly gifts way this year. You’ll be surprised by the free supplies already at your fingertips – think pine cones, dried flowers and that picture frame that’s been stashed in your closet for three years just waiting for a makeover. Happy crafting!
- Make a gift list with a dollar limit.
Go into your holiday shopping with a game plan, and stick to it! Make a gift list with a specific dollar amount set aside for each person. Refer back to it when you’re tempted to overspend or to buy something for yourself while you’re out shopping for others.
- Be honest about your holiday budget.
If you need to cut back on spending this season, let your friends and family know, and don’t feel guilty about it! Talk about your gift-giving plans in advance so you’re on the same page before exchanging presents.
- Help someone live their #bestlife.
Do something (or a few things!) for someone else during the holiday season. Small gestures like writing a letter to a veteran, dropping off dog treats at a local animal shelter or simply giving someone a compliment goes a long way, especially this time of year. It pays to be generous.
During the holiday seasons, it can be easy to make a lot of stupid mistakes with money. Every retailer on earth is doing everything they can to get us to spend as much money as possible.
We know putting Christmas on a credit card is not a smart money decision, but we do it anyway. Then, when January rolls around, we have a financial hangover that a couple of aspirin won’t fix.
Just because you’re on a budget this Christmas doesn’t mean you have to be a Scrooge and do zero Christmas activities.
Plan ahead, prepare and commit to your actions.
“We should make the Yuletide season an occasion not merely for the giving of material things but an occasion for the giving of that which counts infinitely more … the giving of self.” – J. C. Penney
Sharing is Caring. If you found value, please feel free to share.
Until next time…..
Agree or disagree? I love your comments! So please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Althea
Helping God’s people realize and achieve their true financial potential, become debt-free, build wealth and give generously!!
PS. Financially, most of us know what to do; we just have trouble doing it. That’s where a coach can help. CONTACT ME for a FREE 15-minute consult.
