Category Archives: holiday budget

Surviving the Holidays – Planning for Next Year

Posted on December 22, 2011 by admin

Remember what you went through this year and resolve not to put yourself in that position again.  The day after Christmas is the best time of year to get bargains on just about anything Christmas related and the best time of year to start saving money for next year. As close as most people’s budgets are these days, it’s really pretty unrealistic to believe that anyone can manage to buy all they expect to buy for Christmas with one month’s spendable income.  If expectations simply cannot be lowered, then something else has to change: our methods of saving, our methods of buying, or the amount of spendable income.  Continuing to go further into debt each year will soon, if it has not already, simply not be an option. The same wrapping paper, ribbons, lights and decorations that cost twice as much just a few short days before are now on sale.  Christmas sweaters, fleecy pajamas, hooded sweatshirts and toasty mittens will all be half price or more.  If you buy things that never go out of style or vogue, they will be just as popular next Christmas as they were this year.  If you are buying for a child that is still growing, it is a safe bet to buy the next size up unless you expect them to skip a couple of sizes in a year’s time. Some things like crayons, coloring books, trucks, and dolls never go out of style in the toy department.  To a child, having lots and lots of little things is more impressive than having just one big thing. If your budget does not allow it this month, be sure to visit the sales in January when some items are marked down even lower.  Dedicate a space in the closet or in the attic where you can keep all of your Christmas purchases together and hidden from view. Now is the time to start surviving the holidays by splitting up your Christmas purchases to a year round buying plan or a year round savings plan instead of trying to squeeze everything into one month’s budget. Now is the time, while you’re still motivated, to start doing the do-it-yourself projects you didn’t have time to complete for this year’s gift giving. Now is the time to look for a part time job or business that you can do one day a week or month the income from which you can set aside for Christmas. Now is the time to start a Christmas club plan at your bank or credit union that is automatically withdrawn from your account if you really do not have the willpower to set the money aside into an interest-bearing savings account. Now is the time to face the fact that even though you hope that by next year things will get better so you won’t have to worry about Christmas until a month or two before that this plan of action has gotten you nowhere in the past, but deeper in debt. Now is the time to starting planning for a debt free, merry, happy, stress free holiday next year. Continue reading →

Posted in Foreclosure, holiday budget, holiday spending, Loans and lending, Online Banks, Smart Spending, surviving the holidays | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Make it a Game to Find Ways to Save Money on your Holiday Budget

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin

Ever wonder why people go to the trouble of collecting coupons to buy 12 years worth of laundry detergent for $10 on TLC’s Extreme Couponing?  If you’re not familiar with the program, then you haven’t seen the real pleasure the couponers get from gaming the system, even if they end up with a stock room full of stuff they may never use.  It just goes to show: saving money can be fun! Depending on your particular talents and interests, finding ways to save money on your holiday budget may include making your own presents, scanning the internet for the best deals, cooking the best money-saving recipes or crafting your own decorations. Consider a “movie pack” consisting of a classic movie (cheaper than the new), snacks like microwave popcorn and a bottle of a favorite soda all in a basket from a second hand store.  You could also give a “survival” package for college students or a “travel pack” for travelers made of free samples and small portions you’ve either bought or made using inexpensive spill proof containers.  Another idea is to hand stamp or decorate a package of index cards with your favorite recipes tied with a ribbon to an inexpensive kitchen gadget. Better at doing things with your hands? Here are some other ideas to maintain your holiday budget. Find an old classic red wagon, bike or nightstand and spend a little elbow grease sanding and painting.  Make a shabby chic wind chime using old silverware or dinnerware.  Refurbish the insides of an old dollhouse with wallpaper and rug samples.  Make a calendar, stationery or all occasion cards on your computer for the non-technical person on your list.  Scan the internet for other gift making ideas that are more your style. Even if you are not “crafty,” just about anyone can put together mixes of their favorite recipes layered like a sand painting in a mason or decorative jar topped with a cute “hat” or bow.  A mix of Epsom salts and the oil of a favorite essence put together in a “spa” package like those sold in stores at a high price is another welcome inexpensive gift. Don’t have the time or inclination to make it yourself?  Everyone has a friend that’s good at this who may need something you can provide: washing and detailing their car or setting up a web page for their business.  Consider trading out gift certificates or services from a friend who owns a business in exchange for doing their taxes, minding their store or picking up their child at daycare for a certain period of time.  Everyone has a car that needs its oil changed.  You could even give guitar lessons. How many on your list would rather get a hand drawn picture from your child instead of an expensive, taken in August picture of your family and a canned message?  Send letters or postage saving postcards made from the fronts of the cards you received last year. Making it a project for the kids to get them involved. Brainstorm for more creative ways to save money and gain the satisfaction of knowing you beat the system by saving money on your holiday budget this year! Continue reading →

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