Many families have experienced income loss this year and they may also be wondering how they are going to celebrate the holidays.
This year, the holidays may not be exactly like they have been in the past, but families can still get the essence of what’s important to them without spending as much money. You might think about what you might gain from these changes or adjustments. It may even lead to some new traditions.
Set a dollar amount limit of what you are spending. Think about how many people are involved and how much to spend on each person. Start early so you can spread out the cost.
Thanksgiving, is a food-heavy holiday, you should plan now to take advantage of sales. Try to eat out of your cupboards in late October and early November to clear out space and help you cut grocery spending in those weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
For Christmas, keep a list of who you are buying for and what you are spending. Also, be sure to track the shipping information and make sure that you are getting all your purchases. If shipping directly to the home of someone on your list, be sure to track that the package arrives.
One way to save money is to start scouting prices for gifts you plan to buy. The earlier you start, the more you are aware of prices, and you don’t feel pressured to make purchases at the last minute. Last minute purchases may lead to spending more on the item or having to pay for expediated shipping costs. Be careful when doing online shopping and using credit. By going into the store and shopping you can pay with cash and have a better chance of sticking to your budget.
By: Brenda Langdon
