ENJOY the festive season with family and friends and, most importantly, without going broke through overspending.
• Put a limit on your total spending and keep to it.
• Make a list of all anticipated spending and what each item or event will cost - commit to cash only spending.
• Manage your children’s expectations by sharing and explaining your budget.
• Make it gifts for the young only with extended family and friends.
• Give baked goods and food items as presents.
• Provide a service or use a talent, skill or hobby as gifts.
• Have your children spend their own money for gifts.
• Volunteer or give of your time as a gift.
• Give from the heart and start a tradition of giving “love gifts”.
• Give gifts that meet a need and suggest gifts you need and that you would buy anyway.
• Set aside money for unplanned miscellaneous expenses.
• Delay some gift requests for an upcoming birthday or another special occasion.
• Remember what the holiday season is all about.
The last tip is the most important. Remembering “the reason for the season” is the key - how many gifts do you remember.
Rather spend time making memories with family and friends.
