Avoid unnecessary debt and stress this Christmas season with these Tips for Creating a Holiday Budget and Sticking to It. A little planning can help a lot!
When the holidays roll in many of us find ourselves tight on money. We experience the added stress of purchasing gifts, clothing for parties, and food for larger gatherings and meals. The cost can get a bit out of hand. By planning and sticking to your plans you can walk away from this holiday season without new debt. For a less stressful and more joyful holiday, use these Tips for Creating a Holiday Budget and Sticking to It.
Tips for Creating a Holiday Budget
- When it comes to controlling your holiday spending a budget is your friend. Sit down and see what you have room for in your budget. Place your available budget to the side and pay your bills before you start shopping so you won’t be stressing later.
- Do not allow yourself to shuffle away from bills and such like many families do to make room for holiday spending.
- Set aside part of your budget for your holiday meal, clothing, and gifts. Make sure to place a small portion off to the side for emergency needs.
- Make sure you write everything down so you do not forget your planned budget.
- Pad your budget by earning extra money to fill gaps in your holiday budget.
How to Stick to Your Holiday Budget
Look for sales on items you need. The less you spend on each item the more money you have for other needs.
Use coupons. Every time you save with a coupon move the savings over to spend on other needs.
Make gifts from scratch. For a more meaningful gift that goes further than picking up a nicknack from the store, consider crafting something yourself.
Bake a homemade gift for friends and family. If you love to cook odds are your friends and family would love a cute mason jar filled with homemade cookies with a ribbon around the lid.
Upcycle for pretty wrapping. The Sunday Funnies can make a great gift wrap. Other options include scrap fabric and paper bags. The less you waste the more you have to spend on more important things.
Earn extra money to help pad your budget. Have items you need to get rid of? Sell them. God at crafting? People are looking for those crafts to use as gifts. Use online shopping apps to save and earn money to help pay for Christmas.
Keep in mind the reason you are celebrating and how you can make the most of it without spending a lot of money. You don’t have to spend every dime you have to make your loved ones feel special. A gift from the heart goes a long way and can be a lot easier on your wallet.
More Ways to Save Money This Christmas:
7 Ways To Save On Christmas Dinner
Ways to Save Money on a Christmas Tree
7 Ways to Save on Shipping Christmas Gifts
Lindsey says
We made created our holiday budget in January of last year! It was so helpful because we had an entire year to save.
Laurie says
What works for me is saving a little bit of money each week all throughout the year in a savings account meant just for the holidays. I estimate how much I will need at the beginning of the year and divide it, and that is how much I save each week. By the time the holidays roll around, I have enough to go shopping. Great tips, thanks for sharing!