Let’s be real, the holidays are expensive, and the costs add up FAST. As everyone starts planning for that holiday magic, here are some holiday budgeting tips you can use to make sure you don’t have the most stressful January ever.
A little planning and circumspection now will make your bills next year more manageable. You can take control of all that spending NOW before the spending spiral starts.
Set a Real Spending Plan
It’s time to sit and make a real plan for how you will spend your money. Decide how much you can realistically spend without derailing your financial goals. How much money do you have put away already? How much can you realistically set aside in the next few weeks?
Break down the amount you have across the various spending categories you have, and create a holiday budget that works for you.
Use a simple checklist, notes app, or budget template to help you get started.
Need an easy step-by-step breakdown on how to make this work? Read this: How To Create a Christmas Budget That Actually Works
Shop Smart and Early
Start your holiday shopping now so you can actually take advantage of good prices instead of grabbing whatever is left the week before.
Make a quick list of the gifts and essentials you know you’ll need, then compare prices or set alerts so you snag the deals as they pop up.
You can also stretch your budget by doing group gifts or choosing experiences that create memories instead of adding more stuff to the house.
Cut Costs on the Extras
The holidays feel expensive because we pile on all the extras, like new decor, fancy outfits, and extra party food, to name a few.
Before buying anything, take a look around and reuse what you already have.
Swap expensive gatherings for potlucks, make a few decorations yourself, or suggest a Secret Santa so you don’t have to buy for a dozen people.
The best moments are when you’re together, enjoying it, not stressing about what you spent. A few small swaps can keep your holiday fun without blowing your budget. I think we get caught up in the hyper-consumerism of the season when, in reality, that’s just the advertising, not what really matters.
Don’t forget that being intentional now means a happier, healthier holiday season for everyone!
Read More:
- 5 Simple Tips To Help You Create a Family Budget That Actually Works
- How To Start Saving Money for Christmas
- 11 Frugal Christmas Traditions To Start With Your Family
