Saturday, December 7, 2013

Avoiding the Christmas spending High

Avoiding the Christmas spending High
12-7-13

Well its Christmas time again. Wow it got here fast as usual and if you did not save throughout the year you will be hopefully working it into your budget. Here are just a few tips to help you keep within your budget and not get carried away. It is easy to get into the mindset of its Christmas everyone is spending a lot, it won’t hurt if I do also. I have done it and come January I regretted it. You do not want to be paying for Christmas when it is time to go on vacation in the summer.
Remember these things when buying a gift: 1. If the only reason you buy someone a gift is because they bought you one that is not a good reason. I know you may think it will make them mad if you don’t, but if all they wanted was to manipulate you into giving them a gift they are not much of a friend anyway. 2. Make a gift list, of who you want to buy for and how much you can spend. 3. Don’t overspend that amount! If you have a hard time determining how much to spend look back at what you spent last year. 4. Get creative, make gifts, set a smaller amount that normal and challenge others to stick to it. Remember time spent with others is the most valuable of all. Give out daddy daughter date night cards etc. 5. If you do use a credit card pay it off ASAP! Don’t let it hang around like a stray cat.

Just remember we are able to celebrate Christmas because of Christ. God gave us the gift of reconciliation with Him through Christ. Give Him thanks and love on others, that is better than any stuff we can buy!

Have a Mary Christmas!