How to Control Your Spending During the Holiday Season

Now that we’re down to the last few days before Christmas, it’s more important than ever for you to keep a tight reign on your holiday spending. If you’re not feeling prepared for Christmas yet, panic can take hold and urge you to spend more than you had planned to. Now, more than ever you need guidelines to help you control your spending.

Make a list before you go shopping. Rather than wandering the stores waiting to be inspired with gift ideas, make a list and a budget before you start shopping. Together your budget and list will help you stay on track throughout your holiday shopping.

Don’t be tempted by the “perfect gift” for someone you’ve already checked your list. You know you’ve fallen victim to this before. You’re out shopping for your in-laws when you find the thing you “should have gotten” for your niece. Before you know what happened, you’ve spent another $25 and aren’t one step closer to completing your holiday shopping.

Don’t second-guess your gift ideas. This one can be particularly tough. As you start wrapping your gifts, you suddenly realize that you aren’t sure your cousin will like the book you selected for him. Or, you start to worry that you didn’t get “enough” for your children. Stick to your guns and trust that the gifts you’ve chosen really are okay.

Don’t feel compelled to give the “reciprocal” gift. What do you do when your co-worker from the cubicle next door gives you a gift that you weren’t expecting? You haven’t gotten him a thing. While your gut reaction is to rush out and get him a little something, try to resist the urge. Instead, just off a heartfelt thanks for his sweet gift.

Avoid browsing without a plan. There are tons of sales out there just before the big day; good deals abound. However, unless you are still working on your holiday shopping, you should probably consider skipping the sales aisles. You’ll only be tempted to buy things you don’t need. Remember that if the item isn’t on your list, you shouldn’t buy it.

• Living the Frugal Life When Your Friends Don’t
• Holiday Preparations – Start Saving Now for Christmas

• Sales Tax Holidays Another Spending Trap Back to school shopping is just around the corner.  That...
• Blowing The "Eating Out" Budget Out Of The Water. This month, I absolutely destroyed the budgeted dollar amount for...