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Tips To Avoiding Financial Distress During The Holidays
By: Kellyk Kennedy
Holiday Planner for Holiday Expenses
The day after Thanksgiving is usually a day full of excitement for those that
anticipate the winter holidays. Whether you are a go-getter and are at the
stores when the open at 5a.m. to hit the sales and get first dibs on hot gifts
or if you prefer to spend the day setting up Christmas decorations and other
winter decorations there is something for everyone to look forward to. The
stores and the banks await your presence but what if you can’t afford it?
If the festivity of lights, seeing Santa, and trying to figure out what you
should get for all your loved ones stresses you out, you are not alone. As much
as the holidays are supposed to bring about cheer and merry good times, it can
be stressful for those that already have credit card debt, and too many things
are there to do list before even being able to think about holiday expenses. No
need to fear, this year you can make it one to remember without stressing out.
Setting some ground rules is the best place to start. You might have had them
growing up, or now set them for your children, but they can work for yourself as
well, especially when it comes to spending money.
First start by making a list of all the people you need to buy gifts for and set
a price for each person, maybe it’s the same, maybe it fluctuates, however make
it and don’t break it. Once you’ve given everyone a price, add up the total and
see if you can afford it and if it’s reasonable. If you are over your expected
spending budget, make any necessary adjustments. If you don’t have a
considerable amount of money this year to spend there are gifts you can give
which don’t cost a lot at all. Some quick ideas are to bake something, gift
baskets full of the person’s favorite items such as coffees, pastas, candies, or
make picture frames.
If you can’t spend this year but want to next year start a holiday savings fund
which is basically like a direct deposit into an account, so you don’t see the
money and therefore won’t miss it. Determine how much money you want to put
aside and have a small portion of it deducted from your account each week or
month. When the time comes when you are ready to start shopping, you’ll have
your money all set to go.
Ever hear the expression, “early bird gets the worm?” It’s very true. Do your
shopping early not only to avoid the crowds come winter but no need to have the
money and crunch time during the last couple months of the year either.
About the Author:
Kelly Kennedy is the Communications Specialist for MindComet Corporation, a full
service marketing agency for Fortune 500 companies and international
conglomerates. Kelly has been author to hundreds of articles focusing on
personal finance tips. Please visit
http://www.holidaydebtresource.com for more
information. |
