How to Budget for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and… stress. It’s no secret that the holidays can be a financially tough time for many people. Between buying gifts, travel expenses, and all of the other holiday-related costs, it’s easy to overspend and find yourself in debt come January. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little bit of planning and self-control, you can enjoy all the holiday festivities without breaking the bank.

Here are a few tips on how to budget during the holidays:

1. Make a list—and check it twice!

Before you start your holiday shopping, sit down and make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. Once you have your list, set a budget for each person. This will help you keep track of your spending and make sure you don’t overspend on any one person.

2. Start early…like, now!

Don’t wait until December to start your holiday shopping. If you can, start picking up gifts throughout the year so that you’re not stuck with a huge bill come December. Another advantage of starting early is that you can take advantage of sales and discounts that happen throughout the year.

3. Set aside money each month specifically for holiday spending.

One of the best ways to avoid going into debt during the holidays is to set aside money each month specifically for holiday spending. This way, when December rolls around, you already have the money saved up and don’t have to put everything on credit cards. If you can’t afford to set aside much each month, even putting away $20 or $50 will make a difference come December.

4. Don’t let emotions take control of your spending.

It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving and overspend on gifts for people—especially if you want to impress them or show them how much you care about them. But it’s important to remember that your relationships are not based on how much money you spend on presents. Stick to your budget and resist the urge to overspend just because you feel like you need to get someone the “perfect” gift.

5. Consider alternative gift ideas.

If you’re struggling to stick to your budget, consider alternative gift ideas that won’t cost as much money but will still be appreciated by the recipient. For example, instead of buying a fancy coffee maker for your aunt who loves coffee, you could buy her a nice bag of coffee beans or some gourmet hot chocolate mix instead. Or instead of buying your brother the latest video game console, maybe buy him a couple of new games for his existing console instead. There are plenty of ways to show someone you care without spending a lot of money—it just takes some creativity!

The holidays don’t have to be a financially stressful time! With a little bit of planning and self-control, you can stick to your budget and enjoy all the holiday festivities without going into debt before January 1st. Try following these tips on how to budget during the holidays—your wallet (and your stress levels) will thank you!

Looking to get ahold of your finances for the new year?

Have you received a pre-approved offer code in the mail? Sagemore Financial can help you take advantage of those savings and get started on improving your finances today!

Call us today with any questions and to get started on your journey to financial freedom! Toll Free: (855) 401-3582