Christmas is here again!
I consider Christmas the best time of the year; there is just so much joy and festivity in the air during Christmas.
However, we also have the habit of spending beyond our budget and suffering for it in January. The problem is that we experience this every year and it is like we never learn.
I believe it is because, while we know this happens, we do not take proactive steps to put a check on it or to spend intelligently during the holidays.
How do we spend intelligently during the holidays?
Make A Shopping List: Having a shopping list is important for every kind of shopping but even more important during the holidays because there is just so much to buy.
Apart from the decorations, food, we also have to spend on gifts for family and friends. This is why it is important to make a list, so you don’t forget anything and your shopping is organised.
Disorganised shopping is the best way to go beyond your budget and dip into your savings.
So make a shopping list days before you have to go shopping, so you can have time to add to it if you remember something or even remove certain items from it.
Make A Budget: The next thing is to make a budget based on your income and what you need. Remember that although Christmas is about sharing, you should not have to break the bank in order to do that.
The first thing you should do is to save and do not touch the money under any circumstance except for a life and death situation.
Then, with what is left, make a budget and make your list in the order of preference or need.
I always suggest giving room for “others” or “extra” on your list because impulsive buying is okay if it is done within budget. The money set aside for “extra” will cover miscellaneous and other impulsive buying you feel you have to do.
Shop Earlier: There is so much shopping going on during the holidays and that is why it is important to shop early.
You are likely to spend intelligently during the holidays if you shop earlier because then, you can take your time to make a list, make a budget and also visit different stores to compare prices.
If you are rushed, you will likely not have time to do all these and there is also the problem of wanting to get something because you are scared someone will get to it first.
Do A Comprehensive Research: Do comprehensive research on all the sales and coupons available as well as the different prices while your shopping so you can get the best deals.
This is why it is important to start shopping early so you can have enough time to do proper research.
There will be so many deals out there during the holidays and you want to make sure you get the best deals.
Use A Cheaper Alternative: The holidays are usually pricy sometimes because we do not value alternatives.
You do not have to travel with the family; you can just have a staycation in a nice place in town.
You do not have to go out to the movies; you can decorate the home, make some popcorn and drinks and watch your movie at home.
Sometimes, we think we will enjoy things more when we spend so much on them but really the best things in life are cheap or at no cost at all.
Honestly, the best things about Christmas is the family tradition and memories that you spend together as a family; so take advantage of that.
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