The holidays should be about time with the people you care about, not a January full of bills. A little planning now can keep the season joyful and your budget intact.
Set one total holiday budget
Decide on a single number for the whole season, including gifts, food, travel, decorations and events. Then divide it among the people and activities on your list. Having a cap makes every other decision easier.
Make a list and stick to it
Write down everyone you plan to buy for and how much you will spend on each. Shopping with a list makes impulse buys easier to resist, especially online, where one-click checkout makes overspending easy.
Save on gifts without feeling cheap
- Suggest a family gift exchange or Secret Santa instead of buying for everyone.
- Give experiences or homemade gifts.
- Compare prices and use price-match policies.
- Agree on a spending limit with friends and family. Most people will be relieved.
Be careful with buy now, pay later
Splitting purchases into small payments can feel painless in December and pile up in January. If you use these plans, add every payment to your calendar and your budget.
Plan for the costs people forget
Shipping, wrapping, tips, holiday parties and higher utility bills add up quickly. Build them into your budget instead of letting them surprise you.
Start next year’s fund in January
Setting aside even $25 a paycheck starting in January gives you a solid holiday fund by next December, no debt required. For more ideas, read How to Create a Budget That Actually Works.
If an unexpected expense does come up this season, our Las Vegas team can talk through your options with no pressure. Call 702-330-0458.
