The holiday season is officially upon us, and chances are, you’re getting ready to start spending. It’s only natural. We want to spread the feeling of good cheer around by buying presents for our loved ones.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but keep your budget in mind. Nothing kills the season’s joy like a giant credit card bill come January. Keep your holiday spending in check by following these tips.
Make a budget early
This may seem obvious, but you can’t stick to a budget if you don’t have one.
To keep your spending in check, you need to plan ahead. Create a list of who you need to buy for. Then brainstorm what they might like and what you would be able to purchase. Start planning early so that you have a spending plan in place.
Wait for sales
Since you’ve done all that terrific planning, you now have the luxury of waiting for sales. Keep a lookout when shopping in person as well as online since you already know what the items should cost.
Create a gift
You probably can imagine the handmade creations you gave your loved ones as a child, but fear not. You don’t have to be crafty to DIY a gift. Look for inspiration online.
A homemade gift could be a service or something to eat. You can offer to mind children so parents can get a night out.
The same advice you’ve always heard rings true; a handmade gift almost always has more meaning. There are hundreds of fabulous ideas out there that won’t cost you a thing but could mean the world to the recipient.
Thrift
Thrift and consignment stores are full of hidden wonders. It’s not unusual to find items still in their original packaging. Even better, you might stumble upon something truly one of a kind.
Just check everything to ensure they’re in good condition and all the pieces are there.
Share giving
If you know the perfect gift for someone is a more significant luxury item, consider joining forces. Team up with a sibling or friend to tackle the large expense together. It will mean a lot to the recipient to receive what they really wanted, and they will appreciate how you worked together to make it happen.
You actually can regift
This can be a touchy subject for some, but you can regift. If you own something that you haven’t used and is still in its original packaging, feel free to regift it. The recipient will receive something they want, and you can free up space in your home. It also produces zero waste.
Just make sure it’s in mint condition, and never give it to the person who gave it to you!
Bring cash
When you arrive at the shops to pick up your presents this holiday season, bring any money you have left in your budget with you as cash.
Leaving your credit card at home will make it impossible to go over budget. It’s also easier to stay on top of your money when you’re spending physical cash instead of tapping your card.
Remember the spirit of the holiday
It’s an old saying; however, it’s true. The reason we’re celebrating doesn’t have anything to do with material gifts. If you ask anyone what they remember about the holidays, it rarely includes what presents they received. People remember who they spent time with and the memorable things that happened.
Final thoughts
By planning ahead, you can stick to a budget this holiday season and still spread joy to your family and friends. Take it a step further, and see if you can come in under budget. Now that cost of living is higher than ever; it would be a truly wonderful gift to yourself.
If you have any questions, feel free to Join the conversation…