Paying for the Holidays

lifestyle Nov 15, 2020

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The holidays are a wonderful season full of joy and family, and a WHOLE lot of extra expenses. If you're stressed about paying for all the extras this season, check out these suggestions.

  • Make a list of people you plan to buy gifts for, and set a specific price point per person.

Having an organized game plan before you go shopping helps you stay on track while looking for gifts, and helps you determine a total price point for your budget. DO NOT plan to spend more on gifts than you can afford to spend - racking up credit card debt to buy gifts isn't worth it. 

  • If you realize you can't swing buying gifts this year, make something.

You may look at your budget and your list of people you would like to give a gift to, and realize there is no way to buy traditional gifts and stay on budget. Make something! The year we were in the midst of student loan payoff we had zero extra money. We crafted almost everyone's Christmas gifts. Honestly, I think everyone appreciate the gesture and effort we put it.

  • Save money when you shop online. 

I love Rakuten. Realistically this isn't going to make you tons of money. That being said, it is completely free. It will automatically search coupons for you, AND give you cash back. There really is no downside. Make sure you're using this if you shop online this year. 

  • Save money at the grocery store.

Plan your holiday menus in advance. Seek out a coupon or sale on the "big ticket" item of the meal (like a spiral cut ham for example). Get whatever grocery items you can at Aldis. 

  • Reuse gift bags instead of buying wrapping paper.

Wrapping paper is expensive and nearly impossible to reuse! Gift bags can be pricey too, but are often reusable. If you have bags available to reuse, do so! I keep a tote box full of Christmas bags in our attic from the prior year. When I go to wrap Christmas gifts, I start there.

  • Keep your holiday lights on a timer.

Having your Christmas tree or exterior lights run all day can rack up your electric bill. Put everything on a timer, and only have them on during the hours you will actually be enjoying them. 

  • Pick up extra work.

This will likely be much more difficult in 2020 than most years due to the toll COVID19 has taken on our economy. In traditional years, consider picking up seasonal work at your favorite retail store. Not only will you make extra money, but you can also get a discount while gift shopping.

  • Start planning for the expense at the beginning of the year.

Track how much you spend this holiday season on EVERYTHING, including gifts, extra groceries, travel expenses, etc. Starting in January 2022, start a sinking fund for next year's holiday season. For example, let's say you spent $1200 this year. Start setting aside $100/month in January 2022. By December, your $1200 "sinking fund" will be complete and you can cashflow all estimated extra expenses without a single worry.

At the end of the day, try to remember the reason for the season and not let commercialized aspects add unwarranted stress. 

 

 

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