Holiday Budgeting

This may be a little late for this year, but I've noticed recently on other blogs and on Facebook, a lot of people are talking about how their holidays celebrations will be small, or they won't be celebrating this year because they can't afford it.

 

Here are some tips to help you save, not necessary for this holiday, but for any holiday or special occasion!

• Make a list of everyone that you need to buy for.  Include secret Santa gifts, White Elephant gifts, stocking stuffers.


• Make a budget and stick to it.


• Save all year! Set up a separate account, like an ING Direct savings account where money is automatically transferred from your check account to a savings account that is not readily accessible. I have $25.00 transferred from my checking account to my ING Direct savings account twice a month. That's $600/year I am saving for holidays or special occasions!


• If you have no outstanding debt, consider saving your tax refund to fund your holidays or special occasions.


• Take Advantage of Daily Deal site sign up bonuses.  They have great gift ideas for free or just the cost of shipping.


• If you really can't afford to save, pick up grocery items that are free with sales and coupons.  In the fall and winter, there are a lot of great deals on baking supplies.  Bake cookies, or make fudge, or make casseroles in disposable pans for gifts.  Food makes great gifts and $25-$30 can go really far!


• If/When you shop online, look for discount coupons codes. Couponcabin and Retailmenot are two great sites!


• Shop through Ebates for cash back or Mypoints for points that you can redeem for gift cards!

 

The holidays aren't all about the gifts. Christmas, Chanukah, Yule, Eid, hell... even Festivus are about being together with family and friends and celebrating faith.

 

This Post contains affiliate links.