Have you had the impulse buying urge? It is real guys. Every December finances comes crushing down each one of us. During the holiday season, there are shopping temptations around every corner, so it’s easy to get enticed to overspend on your family and kids, even on yourself. You don’t want to blow your holiday budget and wind up starting the New Year in debt. Here are ways you can reduce overspending this year and years to come.
Set Your Holiday Budget- The first step to making sure you don’t overspend is to decide how much you have to spend. This will give you a clear plan on how to divide your personal income and how to distribute them throughout the year. If the amount you can afford to spend is looking a little low, start cutting back on spending now so you can boost your holiday budget.
Start saving early- when you are planning to get something for everyone for holidays, start saving early like a year before, so that you will not be pressured last minute. Divide your annual holyday’s budget by the 12 months. Then set up a recurrence transfer to a separate account for the holidays.
Create a Holiday Shopping List as a Family- when you make your holiday shopping list you should ‘make it a family affair.’ Use the holidays to educate your family about budgeting, setting boundaries, and the danger of debt and core values. Sit down with spouse and kids, then together decide who you are going to give gifts to and how.
Avoid Shipping Costs- Shipping costs are high this holiday season, consider gifts that don’t require shipping, annual memberships to local zoos or museums, meal subscription services or a national parks annual pass.
Curb Your Social Media Use- Even if you avoid shopping in stores, you may be tempted to overspend by what you see on social media so scroll with caution. Avoid or reduce time spend on social media. Take time away from looking at what others are doing or spending money on, and focus instead on your own loved ones and personal connections.”
Let them experience- One of the best ways to avoid overspending is to focus on giving experiences and building memories. This could be a meal together, a virtual sushi-making party, a surprise visit, a charity donation or volunteer hours in the person’s name, or other creative and genuine experience.