Howdy, hope you’ve been holding up well…Myself I have been great. We have reached that time of the year where the environment is filled with joy and happiness from friend and family. We all love the festivities and the good vibes it brings… the down part is if one is not careful, they can quickly end up broke.
To save you from this, here are a few tips on how to budget this festive season and only spend on what you can afford
1.Stick to your holiday budgeting
Same way you usually have a budget that you work with in other spheres of your life, you should have a budget for the festivities. Figure out how much you want to spend and how much you can afford before you begin shopping. Don’t forget to factor in home décor as they tend to be very pricy around the festivities.
A good plan shouldn’t take away from the holiday shopping experience, which many people understandably enjoy. Instead, it will keep you focused on the presents you want to give and make you think twice before going off budget.
2. Set a budget for each person
Set a budget for each person you’re buying gifts for and don’t go over. Gift-giving is about the thought and sentiment, not the price, so resist the urge to escalate beyond your budget. Perhaps ask family members to agree on a spending limit for holiday gifts. Or use a Secret Santa or a similar type of exchange to reduce the number of gifts each individual has to buy while ensuring fairness around the number of presents each person receives.
3. Shop around and look for deals
Although you shouldn’t set your holiday budget expecting to find big discounts for the items on your list, deals and items on sale can save you some money. You can research online for prices, and consider online retailers that might have better prices and/or offer free shipping. And if some item is continually coming up more expensive than you thought it would be, consider if your friend or family member would be just as happy with a different, more reasonably priced present.
4 Consider homemade gifts
If your holiday budget turns out to be tighter than expected, consider alternative types of gifts that are easier on your budget and often more meaningful than something from the store.
The possibilities for homemade gifts are unlimited! Make a Christmas ornament or decoration, bake a tin of cookies, or even offer to take your friend out for dinner after the holidays. In many ways, these gifts are more appreciated and memorable than a store-bought present. Remember, for many people, the holiday experience with loved ones is what makes this time of year great—not necessarily the presents they receive.
In conclusion, always remember there is life post the festive season. It is pointless having an epic holiday season only for you to suffer come January. It makes sense balancing things out. Ensure you budget well for the festivities and put money aside for January, that way you are guaranteed of comfort post the holiday season. With that, have a Merry Christmas and happy new year
Regards,
Seline Awuor
