The holiday season is almost here, and now is the perfect time to get started. But before you start filling your online baskets with presents, it is essential to set a plan and create a realistic budget. It is easy to overspend with all of the excitement, but spending too much now could mean months of bills and high credit card charges in the new year.
Most people want to control their holiday spending but get wrapped up in the festivities, and their good intentions get lost. Below are five creative ways to keep your holiday budget on track.
Holiday Budgeting
Base Your Holiday Spending On Your Finances, Not Wants Of Others
Never allow the wants of people on your gift list to drive your spending. Doing so is a sure path to financial ruin. Your teenager might love a brand new iPhone, but your budget might not have room for that kind of indulgence. If you are having a rough year financially, you should not feel guilty about cutting back your gift list and choosing less expensive and more practical presents.
Consider having age-appropriate discussions with your kids to set expectations and understanding early. And, why not go one better? Get them a Youth Account. These age-appropriate Savings and Checking accounts are free, and come with fun, informative newsletters/websites, plus competitions and prizes. They’ll get to do their own budgeting (and empathize with you!). Plus they’ll learn about responsible use of money, like saving up for goals—valuable lessons that will last a lifetime.
Trim Your Gift-Giving List
If your shopping list is getting too long, it’s time to do some trimming. Buying a gift for everyone in your circle of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances is not required. Instead, send holiday cards to the people that don’t quite make the gift list. Personalize them with photos of your life and quick notes. Restricting your holiday shopping list to close family members and friends can help you save more money and enjoy the holiday season.
Set a Per-Person Budget
After you have your giving list, create a budget for every person on your gift list. When you have your gift list under control, you can work on deciding how much to spend. Be sure to add up your per-person budgets and make sure the total is something you can afford. If so, it is time to start shopping. If not, you may need to do more trimming.
Give the Gift of Time
Some things are more valuable than money, and your time and attention are at the top of that list. All the money in the world will not buy another second of time, and that makes the minutes and hours you spend volunteering far more valuable than any gift. The holiday season is the perfect time to volunteer your time, and you can extend the concept to your shopping as well. Instead of buying yet another baby gift, give the new parents in your life a free night of babysitting. They will appreciate your time and care far more than any other gift you would have bought.
Let Your Creative Side Shine
Homemade gifts are unique, creative, and fun to give, so let your crafty side take over this holiday season. No matter what you like to do, you can turn your passion into some incredible presents the people on your holiday gift list are sure to love. If you love to bake cookies, get some canning jars, and fill them with your favorite ingredients. Top off the jar with a handwritten recipe and give those ready-made cookie kits to the people on your gift list. Cookies are just one example of the many other great ways to give the gift of creativity. Be creative in other ways too, like holiday budget planning.
Now’s the perfect time to start saving for next year. With a Holiday Club account, small automatic deductions soon add up with healthy interest. When the next holiday season arrives, you’ll have a bundle of cash ready and waiting to cover all your holiday budget and gift needs. It’s an awesome feeling!
The holiday season is all about fun and family, and you do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the joys the season has to offer. A bit of creativity and self-discipline can go a long way and help you enjoy a debt-free post-holiday season.
One final thought. The holidays are full of good cheer but also fraudsters. We will NEVER call or text you for any personal information, username, passwords, or passcodes. If you receive a call or text from any number or person claiming to be an employee of the Credit Union requesting this information, HANG UP AND CALL US DIRECTLY AT 800.877.2345. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
This article was developed in partnership with Balance Pro.
