Gingerbug
06-19-2010, 08:46 AM
So I thought maybe we could be inspired by the ABCs of Christmas planning...a little something to get us moving forward....
A is for all year.
Most of the time people have trouble budgeting for Christmas because they try to squeeze it in to the last few months of the year. By thinking about Christmas all year long and by either starting a Christmas savers account or buying gifts throughout the year, it is easier to budget for Christmas.
We are on a cash only system because we want to pay down debt and with the economy and all we thought it was the best move. This means budgeting and working toward Christmas all year long is a must.
First think of ALL of your Christmas expenses. Gifts, entertaining, new DVDs, baking, travel, and EVERYTHING.....this can be quite a chunk of change.
Second...divide what is left of the rest of the year and figure out how much you need to do each month to get where you want to be. I would suggest trying to simplify or cut back in some small ways. If you normally buy a 25 dollar gift...cut back to 20. If you normally buy bunches of stocking stuffers...cut back. If you normally buy two DVDs...buy just one this year and make it's viewing a special event for your family. REALLY....it isn't usually noticed and can really help the budget.
Third: Buy things each month but stay within the budget you set up. You can save the money each month and shop closer to Christmas but sometimes panic sets in and you end up overspending if you leave ALL of it until November and December. I usually save a few things for November/Decmeber just because my kids have specific wish lists around that time
Fourth: decide on.... menus and parties and baking.....then make a MASTER INGREDIENTS LIST....and start buying items off of the list...right now...this very week...vow to pick up one or two things each week and it will help cut down on those big grocery bills during the holidays.
So that's it for A....All Year...I'd love to hear your hints for budgeting by thinking about Christmas All Year!
A is for all year.
Most of the time people have trouble budgeting for Christmas because they try to squeeze it in to the last few months of the year. By thinking about Christmas all year long and by either starting a Christmas savers account or buying gifts throughout the year, it is easier to budget for Christmas.
We are on a cash only system because we want to pay down debt and with the economy and all we thought it was the best move. This means budgeting and working toward Christmas all year long is a must.
First think of ALL of your Christmas expenses. Gifts, entertaining, new DVDs, baking, travel, and EVERYTHING.....this can be quite a chunk of change.
Second...divide what is left of the rest of the year and figure out how much you need to do each month to get where you want to be. I would suggest trying to simplify or cut back in some small ways. If you normally buy a 25 dollar gift...cut back to 20. If you normally buy bunches of stocking stuffers...cut back. If you normally buy two DVDs...buy just one this year and make it's viewing a special event for your family. REALLY....it isn't usually noticed and can really help the budget.
Third: Buy things each month but stay within the budget you set up. You can save the money each month and shop closer to Christmas but sometimes panic sets in and you end up overspending if you leave ALL of it until November and December. I usually save a few things for November/Decmeber just because my kids have specific wish lists around that time
Fourth: decide on.... menus and parties and baking.....then make a MASTER INGREDIENTS LIST....and start buying items off of the list...right now...this very week...vow to pick up one or two things each week and it will help cut down on those big grocery bills during the holidays.
So that's it for A....All Year...I'd love to hear your hints for budgeting by thinking about Christmas All Year!