I’m Putting Christmas on a Budget This Year!

I’m doing something that is very out of character for me… I’m thinking about holiday shopping in the first week of November.  Normally, I’m one of those last minute, barely get it there on time Christmas shoppers, so this is very unusual for me.

But like a lot of people, I want to save money this holiday season, and one of the best ways to do that is to start my Christmas shopping early.

For all of you who want to join me and put Christmas on a budget this year, here are some tips to get you started:

Start early – Perhaps the best tip this year will be to start early.  It is expected that retailers will be offering deals far earlier this year than in previous years, and starting early will help you plan better and scope out those deals.

Make a list – Make a list of items you plan on buying this year, whether it’s gifts, decorations or food for the holiday entertaining.  Having a list will allow you to snag items as they go on sale, and it will keep you from procrastinating til the last minute.

Set a budget – It’s easy to get excited and go overboard on gifts, especially if you don’t have a budget in place.  Write down everyone you want to buy for this year, and set a specific dollar amount for each person.  You’ll be surprised at how much this will help reduce your overall holiday spending!

Continue Reading I’m Putting Christmas on a Budget This Year!

The Spirit of Giving Should Not Produce Bankruptcies!

by Cara at Cara’s Coffee Break

The holidays are the giving season, and all of us enjoy spreading holiday joy by supplying loved ones with gifts. However, it is important to approach your holiday shopping with a firm budget in mind—and to abide by it.   

Overspending
can lead to a great deal of holiday stress and concern—as well as even
more stress down the line when the credit card bills come due. One
of the most important things you can do to minimize the stress (and
potential adverse financial impact) of the holidays is to develop a
firm budget for gifts. Even Santa Claus is careful enough to check his list twice! You should do the same, making sure you have established a budget that fits your financial needs.

Start saving now for the holidays

I was doing some shopping this morning, and noticed that Christmas decorations are already on the shelves.

I always let the holidays sneak up on me every year, and that can really put a dent on the ‘ol wallet.

Actually, you should probably start saving for the holidays right after they have ended, but it’s never too late.

Here are some tips to make your holidays less painful on the wallet this year:

1. Set your budget and your gift list now.  This should be a pretty easy exercise, just look at last years spending to see who you bought for and how much.