December 9

Holiday Spending

The holidays can be stressful from a financial standpoint.

Over spending during the holidays is too tempting. We want very much to buy the perfect gift for everyone on our list. Add in decorations, food, travel related expenses or hosting a holiday party and you have a stretched budget bursting at the seams.

Knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend over the holidays and making a detailed plan for how you can spend these funds can help reduce holiday-spending-related stress.

• Be honest with how much you can spend. Set a Budget. Set a limit.
• Divide your budget into the different categories; gifts, food, decorations, clothes, traveling etc.
• Shop early and compare prices, take advantage of sales, shop with a list
• Spread out your purchases
• Use cash or your debit card for purchases
• Curb impulse shopping and spending
• Track your purchases

Think like Santa, make a list and check it twice.

Respect the Budget