Holiday Budgeting 101

So here are some tips to staying on track for the holiday season:

Make a list, check it twice ( you know the drill)

Make a list for everything – holiday decorations, holiday grocery shopping for Christmas dinner, Christmas gifting – this applies to all of it! Pinterest can be the devil when it comes to inspiration – I always want to decorate to the nines, throw an amazing holiday get together, or get the best gift for my sister. So making a list and sticking to it is CRUCIAL. It means you won’t totally deviate, can list out what you actually need (so you don’t over buy) and also ensure that you just don’t keep buying extra gifts because you forgot what you got that person!

Use a Credit Card (if you can pay it off)

You know the cards that offer bonus miles if you spend X in the first three months of opening it? My husband and I opened Chase cards last October because of the amazing offers it came with, and it made total sense since November/December was our biggest spend months of the year. Why not get rewarded for all the money you are spending on gifts or holiday hosting? Just make SURE you can pay off the balance before you open it – not worth getting into debt!

Resist the Urge of Self Gifting

Trust me – I get it! A little bit for me, a little bit for you. TRY to resist the urge of buying yourself something every time you shop for Christmas gifts – remember, refer to the first point about making a list! You aren’t on the list!! And if there is something that you really love, send the picture of it to your husband – you technically aren’t self gifting 🙂

Coupons, Bonuses, and the Like

Take advantage of all the sales and offers there are out there! For example, Target has buy one get one 60% off – get a sweater for your mom and a jacket for your sister – and one will be one sale! Also, google coupon codes and rebates – the internet is a wonderful thing for this! Additionally, so many restaurants offer additional freebies when you buy gift cards. For example, buy a $50 gift card and get a free $10 one is a popular

Think About After Christmas Sales

Okay this one will be met with a little controversy but hear me out – if there’s anyone that you plan on giving a gift to AFTER the holiday, you can shop after Christmas when everything is on sale. This also applies to Christmas decor – literally, every store marks down their Christmas decor at LEAST 50% off the day after Christmas. Want a flocked artificial tree? Wait until after Christmas when they are 50% off. Want to stock up on paper products for your holiday parties? Stock up on them a year advance by shopping after Christmas!