How to Set Up a Christmas Budget

Christmas time is almost here…long lines will soon appear. Hope your nerves are steady, and you are ready, to deal with the cashiers!

Tis the season to create a Christmas budget to avoid overspending during the holidays!

It is easy to get carried away and lose track of what we are spending. How often are you out shopping for gifts and throw in a few extra stocking stuffers, a mug for your co-worker, something cute for the kiddos, a sweater for Mom, tools for the hubby, and before you know it, the Christmas budget is busted!

Before you head out to Black-Friday sales, leave your home with a budget already decided. Set an amount you will spend for each of your family members and friends and keep it somewhere handy (on your phone, a notepad, a spread sheet, etc. whatever works for you.) Add up the amounts for each friend/family member and this will give you a total budget to work with. As you make purchases, note how much you spent next to their names. If you reach the budget, call it good! If you go over, you may need to take money from elsewhere is your budget to stay on track, or if you pick up some items on sale, then you can maybe add in a few extras items and still stay within your budget.

The main thing is, if you head into your holiday shopping already knowing what amount you want to spend, it is much easier to stick to it and avoid impulse buys that can quickly add up into a large January credit card bill.

Happy Holidays and Smart Shopping to All!

Love, the Nerdy Girl

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