The holiday season is filled with family, friends and fun. But what is one thing you don’t want showing up at your holiday party? DEBT!
You can make memories with those who matter most without going into debt. Follow these tips to help you celebrate a budget-friendly holiday season.
Create a budget... and stick to it!
If you know how much money you have available to spend during the holiday season, you are more likely to stay within your budget. Without a defined limit, you may find yourself overspending. Use the provided holiday budget sheet to map out your expenses in categories such as gifts, food and travel. We’ve also provided a gift-giving budget sheet so you can keep track of each person to whom you would like to give a gift, the ideas you have for their gift and the budget you need to purchase it.
Use cash
Set aside a certain amount of cash for each budgeted area. When you are out of cash, you’ve reached your budgeted amount and should stop spending.
The myth of the card
Using a credit card sometimes makes us feel like we have money to spare, but that is simply not the case. If you decide to use a credit card to go over budget, you will have to pay interest. If you choose to use a card, make it a debit card, and stick to your budget.
Compare prices before buying
When shopping in-store or online, be sure to check for sales, coupons or other purchase locations that may be less expensive. A quick search online can often help uncover more savings to help your holiday budget.
Be unique
Remember, a gift doesn’t have to be purchased in order for it to be loved by the recipient!Homemade gifts such as art and craft work, or gifts of food may also be appreciated by yourfriends and family. Don’t forget gifts of experiences, too! Offering to provide childcare for afriend or complete a landscaping project for a family member costs your time, but not yourmoney, which helps preserve your budget.
Click on the images below to download your holiday budget worksheet and stay on track this season!
