As the holiday season looms before us, let me tell you that planning for your holiday shopping would keep you financially on track. It will make you spend only on what really matters and would save you a huge amount of money. Here are three suggestions in creating your financial blueprint for the holidays
1. Prepare for your large festivities this season. It is more likely that you will have lots of invitations to parties. Choose the event you should attend to. Remember that you will be spending money for each activity and that each one should fit into your financial plan.
2. Focus on your experiences, not on things. Every day, we are ushered into consumerism. The advertisements we see on TV, hear over the radio and receive in our email inboxes tempt us to spend more and more money. Each announcement appeals to our desire to acquire more and more. So you have to place much thought on the gifts you will give this season. Gifts that provide connection and meaning mean more. About the food on Christmas Eve, ask your family to bring the dish for the dinner. If you have some extra cash, you might also want to give to charity this Christmas season.
3. Be intentional with your giving. Make a list of the people you want to bless with gifts this Christmas season. Review the list and see if someone would benefit from your connection and meaning. As you determine the persons that would receive gifts from you, decide early on how much you are willing to spend for the gifts. From there, seek ways to spend wisely, like using coupons and promotional codes.
It won’t take you too long to do these suggestions but the outcome is huge – it will save you thousands of dollars.