December always seems so far away, and then suddenly it’s here.
Even though we technically have eleven whole months to plan, most of us wait until the last minute. It’s almost like we enjoy frantically rushing around grabbing last-minute gifts and making sure holiday traditions are kept, no matter how much they add to our stress level.
Although hardcore planning may not completely erase our anxiety, there are ways to make it just a little bit easier. These financial tips give your wallet some much-needed room to breathe, and perhaps help you relax a little bit more too!
1. Don’t purchase what you can’t afford just to impress.
These days, we are all looking to impress. This December, impressing people should not be part of your list. You should never spend beyond their means. If you can’t afford it, then find alternatives according to your means. This is a survival mechanism that allows you to save and prevents you from going into debt. Getting away from your need to impress is a great way to avoid excessive spending.
2. Freeze your credit cards in your freezer.
Never carry different cards from different banks with different interests in your purse or wallet. Why? There is a greater possibility of you swiping at every single purchase and ignoring the bills you’ve been racking up. According to research, one of the biggest reasons for an individual to be broke is overspending on multiple credit cards.
3. Make a menu plan, and stock up when items are on sale
Try to buy at least one or two items each time you make a trip to the store, so you don’t have to make a last-minute run to get foodstuff for your Christmas recipes.
4. Pare down the gift-giving
Christmas really isn’t about all the gifts, and if you really want to make a difference in your budget, reduce your spending limit. Buy affordable but decent gifts for people you want to surprise this Christmas. Also, if you have a large extended family that keeps growing, consider talking about eliminating gifts altogether or buying a gift for each family unit, rather than individually.
5. Make a list of items for next year
As you are wrapping gifts, making foods, or decorating the tree, make note of what you have, what you use, and what you’re going to need for next year. Buy items based on needs not finds.
December and its many holidays can take a toll on an individual who has a very tight budget but finding ways to cut down cost can ease financial burden to help anyone survive January.
