Christmas is Coming, Are You Ready?? (Part 1)

 

Did you know it is only 99 days (as of 9/17/12) until Christmas? Have you started planning or budgeting for Christmas yet?

Two years ago we made a big change in the way we plan for Christmas. Instead of waiting until the last minute and using credit cards, we started planning for Christmas on December 26th and spreading the cost of Christmas over the entire year.

If you have not started planning & budgeting for Christmas, it is not too late. This week I will be sharing some tips and ideas to keep Christmas from being a stressful budget-buster so here is tip #1:

Plan a budget for Christmas now.  Right now.  Not next week, next month or in December.  Plan a budget right now.  Knowing exactly how much money you have to spend will make it much easier to decide on gifts.

After you have your budget make a list of all the people you will need to buy gifts and decide on an amount to spend for each person.  This doesn't have to be exact, it can be a range. 

Now that you have a budget and a list, you can start buying gifts.  Since you are not waiting until the last minute, you have plenty of time to look for items on sale and clearance so you will save money! 

Don't you already feel better now that you have a plan?  Come back tomorrow for more Money Saving Christmas Tips!