5 Ways To Avoid Overspending During The Holidays
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Snow is falling, lights are twinkling, stores are filled with shoppers looking for the perfect gift. The hustle and bustle of the...
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Snow is falling, lights are twinkling, stores are filled with shoppers looking for the perfect gift. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is an exciting time for many, but finding the extra cash to purchase gifts and participate in holiday activities can be stressful. Avoid overspending during the holidays and stay on track with these 5 helpful tips.
1. Set a budget. It may seem like a simple task, but setting and sticking to a budget can be the most difficult part of the holiday season for many. When determining your budget, be sure to include extras that may come up like that surprise holiday bake sale, an extra roll or two of wrapping paper in case you run out, and that brand-new toy that your kids insist is a must-have item.
2. Make a list. Lists are a great way to help you stay on track when buying gifts during the holiday season. Be sure to include any teachers, neighbors, and co-workers that may have played a special role in your life this year. Plus, checking something off of a list can be a very rewarding feeling.
3. Avoid using credit cards. All those special promotions can make credit cards seem very appealing, but the interest rates can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Unless you plan on paying off the credit card balance as soon as the bill comes, try to use cash whenever possible. This will keep you from overspending and ensure that you're only purchasing items that are really necessary.
4. Think outside-the-box. While no one likes to come empty-handed to a holiday gathering, spending a lot of money on a gift isn't always necessary. You might be surprised that many people enjoy gifts from the heart like a batch of homemade cookies, an offer to do something nice for them in the future like babysitting their kids or helping them garden, or simply planning a day to spend together doing something fun that doesn't break the bank.
5. Save money on postage. Sending out holiday cards can not only be time-consuming, it can also be quite costly. The cards plus stamps can add up to hundreds of dollars, depending on how many you need to send out. Consider sending e-cards or a friendly holiday email instead of physical cards. Your loved ones will still enjoy a nice holiday greeting while your wallet stays full.
There are many other ways to save money during the holidays, such as taking advantage of great sales and discounts or putting your crafting skills to good use when conjuring up some homemade gifts. However you choose to spend your holidays, always keep the reason for the season at the forefront of your mind. Kindness and togetherness are two of the best things about the holidays. Practice those two things with a loving heart, and your holidays are sure to be magical.
1. Set a budget. It may seem like a simple task, but setting and sticking to a budget can be the most difficult part of the holiday season for many. When determining your budget, be sure to include extras that may come up like that surprise holiday bake sale, an extra roll or two of wrapping paper in case you run out, and that brand-new toy that your kids insist is a must-have item.
2. Make a list. Lists are a great way to help you stay on track when buying gifts during the holiday season. Be sure to include any teachers, neighbors, and co-workers that may have played a special role in your life this year. Plus, checking something off of a list can be a very rewarding feeling.
3. Avoid using credit cards. All those special promotions can make credit cards seem very appealing, but the interest rates can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Unless you plan on paying off the credit card balance as soon as the bill comes, try to use cash whenever possible. This will keep you from overspending and ensure that you're only purchasing items that are really necessary.
4. Think outside-the-box. While no one likes to come empty-handed to a holiday gathering, spending a lot of money on a gift isn't always necessary. You might be surprised that many people enjoy gifts from the heart like a batch of homemade cookies, an offer to do something nice for them in the future like babysitting their kids or helping them garden, or simply planning a day to spend together doing something fun that doesn't break the bank.
5. Save money on postage. Sending out holiday cards can not only be time-consuming, it can also be quite costly. The cards plus stamps can add up to hundreds of dollars, depending on how many you need to send out. Consider sending e-cards or a friendly holiday email instead of physical cards. Your loved ones will still enjoy a nice holiday greeting while your wallet stays full.
There are many other ways to save money during the holidays, such as taking advantage of great sales and discounts or putting your crafting skills to good use when conjuring up some homemade gifts. However you choose to spend your holidays, always keep the reason for the season at the forefront of your mind. Kindness and togetherness are two of the best things about the holidays. Practice those two things with a loving heart, and your holidays are sure to be magical.
| About The Author |
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Gerald Woods is Director of Operation at Solace Connect, LLC based in San Antonio, TX. He has written many articles on various topics dealing with onli |
