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Holiday Shopping -- Maintain Your Budget and Your Sanity! |
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You know it -- pre-Holiday gift decision anxiety syndrome. Juggling money and gift preferences for so many people. We have the kids, the family, the teachers, the neighbors, the co-workers. |
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| Author: Lb |
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Well stop worrying and start making a plan. First of all, you have to know that everyone is going through the same thing! Why not talk to some of your friends and relatives about this year's plans; you might be pleasantly surprised to find out they are very willing to forego the gift exchange. Think donations: Instead of a lot of small presents to friends, relatives, and co-workers, make a donation to a worthy cause in the name of the family or office and let them know what you've done.
The next thing you should consider is the cost of the gifts you give. If you have any artistic talents, now is the time to use them. Here are a few suggestions:
* Bake Holiday cookies, perhaps with decorative icing, buy a Holiday theme plate at the dollar store, wrap in cellophane, top off with a ribbon and card and you've got a beautifully presented and very low-cost gift. Same can be done with some fruit and Holiday candies, a plate of home-made fudge, etc. Include the recipe if appropriate.
* Make Holiday tree ornaments, wreathes or swags.
* Think services. If you have a harried mother on your list, give her a coupon good for an afternoon or evening of babysitting. Offer an elderly neighbor the gift of transportation to the doctor. These types of gifts are priceless to the recipients and show that you really put some thought into your gifts.
Do not go into credit card or loan debt for the sake of Holiday gifts. Nobody on your list would want you to incur financial distress in exchange for the gift you give them. There is just no reason to get buried in debt just to keep up appearances.
Start planning early. The after-Holiday sales are the best place to start. Look for next year's cards, trinkets, crafts, gifts, and home decorating. Shop sales all year and keep your eyes open for good deals. Check the bargain racks for discount prices on special interest books on gardening, cooking, parenting, career advice, etc. that will be a good match for someone on your list. Start on your handicraft gifts early enough to complete them on time with no pressure.
Start saving for the hard cash requirements at the beginning of the year. Set your budget and divide on a weekly basis. Put that money aside in your account each week and have funds ready to pay off all expenses immediately for next year. If you need to open a separate account to make this work, go ahead and do it.
Instead of spending a lot of money for each child, consider one big purchase for the family and small personal gifts for each of you. Imagine how the kids would love to get coupons to get out their regular household chores, especially if they designate whether Mom or Dad had to do the chore for them. Depending on your money situation, the big gift could be a weekend at a theme park or maybe renting a fancy camper and going on a road trip. Maybe the family needs a new television or computer. Buy the best you can afford without getting in over your head in debt.
Imagine how good it will feel when the holiday season ends and you still have money in the bank and no big bills arriving in the mail in January. The best part is you'll be able to save that money to get started on the next holiday season!
We hope these suggestions will help relieve the financial pressure and stress for your next Holiday shopping season.
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