Are you feeling bogged down by holiday shopping, gift wrapping, and parties galore? Sometimes the holiday season can feel less than merry and bright. Planning could be your key to keeping that bah-humbug feeling at bay. Let’s look at some budgeting tips for organizing your holiday spending.
Tip #1: Take Inventory of the People in Your Life
Start by making a list of everyone you would like to give a gift to; this includes family, friends, and perhaps even your kids’ teachers. Once you have a complete list and have checked it twice, start assigning a dollar amount to each person. Once you know how much you want to spend per person, you can begin shopping for gifts that fit that budget. Setting a price limit will help you be realistic and comprehensive with your holiday budgeting.
Tip #2: Shop Smart
Identify stores that offer rewards programs and take advantage of any sales. Considering buying new winter clothes for the family? A store like Old Navy might be the right place because you can take advantage of their rewards program and earn Old Navy cash towards future purchases. Several stores also offer price matching, so do your research to find the best price and which stores will match the price. Another option for gift buying is to check out local thrift stores. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or last year’s hottest toy, you may be surprised by what you can find.
Tip#3: Get Creative with Your Gift Giving
This holiday season, think outside of the box! Do you have a hobby like baking, knitting, or pottery? Consider using your talent to create gifts for some of the loved ones on your list! Another creative gift is the gift of experience. If your best friend is a fan of wine, consider planning a trip to a winery together. Gifting an experience gives you quality time and memories with your loved ones.
Ways to Get Ahead of the Game for Next Year
The best tip we can give is to be proactive! Avoid the rush of holiday shopping by picking presents for your loved ones throughout the year. Keep track of what you purchase so when the time comes; holiday shopping is less of a burden. Use this year’s budget to plan for next year and keep track of holiday spending.
With our Christmas Club Savings account, Carolinas Telco FCU can help you start saving early for next year. Deposit extra funds through the year without the temptation of pulling them out early. Our Christmas Club account is a great way to save for holiday and year-end expenses. In the first week of November, your funds become available right in time for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. To learn more about our Christmas Club account, visit our website or your local branch.
*Gift Budget Guide Printable*
Use the CTFCU Holiday Gift Planner Printable to keep track of your holiday gifting expenses.
