The holiday season is quickly approaching. As I write this, we are exactly two months from Christmas. Some of you have prepared, but most have not. Many seem to forget each year that Chrstmas comes in December. While they have all year long to save and prepare that big day always sneaks up on them and robs them of the joys of the season. This year will be the same. Or will it?
For those who wanted to get ahead of the debt debacle they started to plan and save early this year. Some of those same people are well under way to complete their holiday purchasing before the season even begins.
You can be the same way. Saving may be a little harder, but you can still do it. Like jolly St. Nick, you need a list and it would be wise to check it more than twice.
- Set a dollar amount for your total holiday spending
- Divide that amount up (or the remaining amount needed) over your remaining pay periods between now and Christmas
- Set aside that amount determined in cash
- Make a list of ALL people you NEED to buy a gift for (that does not include you!)
- Divide the total dollars up across all the people on your list
- Save some for holiday parties, etc.
- Spend your save cash on each person on your list and do not exceed the amount for each person
Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, most people will not get it. While you are enjoying your holidays after a debt free Christmas, most will be watching the mailbox for the credit card bills to arrive.
