Have you read financial tips and thought, I wish I would have thought about these months ago! Avoid that scenario this year and start planning for the holidays now. It’s never too early to start planning. As with most things it’s better to plan ahead and be prepared than to try and react at the last moment or after the fact.
1. Start saving now
Take a look at your monthly budget and add a holiday savings account. Remember gifts are not the only added expense of the holidays. Consider increased expenses to your utilities, travel and even food. Adding a cell to any budget will require adjusting other components. If you start saving early you have money to spend when you do start shopping allowing you to leave the credit cards at home.
2. Deals are always available
Write down a list of who you plan on buying gifts for and how much you plan on spending for each person. With your list ready start looking for deals now. You don’t have to wait for Black Friday to start taking advantage of sales. There are deals to be had year round so keep on the lookout and save money now.
3. Make a gift
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are not purchased at all. Start looking for gift ideas you can make yourself to reduce or eliminate the need to buy gifts altogether. Not only will this save you money, the recipient will appreciate time and effort you put into the gift.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan, get started now!
