Don't Let Holiday Shopping Put You Into Debt

Don't Let Holiday Shopping Put You Into Debt

FOR MOST OF US, the holidays are a prospect for family, food, fun, and spending. However,great food, traveling, and buying gifts cost money. Each year, pressure to accomplish the un-accomplishable leave many miles beyond their budgets. This year, plan to spend wiser. This means staying within your budget by cooking light, foregoing some of the must have Black Friday deals, and changing the way you travel.

Food and Frolic

What would Thanksgiving and Christmas be without turkey and dressing, fruit cakes and homemade pies? No self-respecting host would have guests over for a Thanksgiving box of Kentucky Fried Chicken. But in today's economy, food is costly.

Tips:

• Turkeys are not mandatory. Cook whatever is cheapest: Turkey, Whole Chickens, or Hens.
• Grills save on utilities bills. If the weather permits, barbecue is allowed.
• Make your own. Foods that are pre-pared are much more expensive. And besides, baking your own cake is more personal.
• Don't over prepare. If you are expecting 10 guests, only cook for 12. Read the serving size information to cook what is appropriate.

Drop the Way You Shop

Turkey and dressing isn't the only tradition that has prepaid claims on our wallets. Seasonal home decor, Christmas trees, and perfect gifts are not just traditional, for some it's mandatory. For those who abhor change, try revision. Iphone upgrades and Playstation 4 are not mandatory. Expect and resist your children's unreasonable requests.

Tips:

• If you cannot afford it, don't buy it. And don't finance it.
• Avoid items that will require 12 batteries, expensive chargers, additional software purchases, gasoline...
• Buy holiday home décor at the end of the season at 75% off. Store it in bins and pull it out next year.
• Shop the Goodwill and Salvation Army. Some of the treasures you come across could never be found in retail stores.
• Learn to make those ribbons and trimmings. Yours may look better.
• Use the kids' school art as holiday decor.
• Don't try to keep up with the Joneses. They don't have much money this season either.

Hit the Road, Not the Bank

Going to Grandma's to get to that homemade pie shouldn't cost you the farm. Gas or travel fares is just the beginning of going home for the holidays and returning without the shirt on your back. If the pies are mandatory, do a quick check of what it will cost you to get there:

Tips:

• If you can't afford to go, don't. Don't be embarrassed to ask Grandma to ship you a pie.
• Let the trip be the gift. Normal Grandmothers feel blessed just to see the family again.
• If you plan to spend more, make more. Have a yard sale. Recycle cans. Play along with store promotions to earn the promotions.
• Stop spending. Cut down on the lottery. Drink a cheaper beer, or style your own hair.
• If you must travel a great distance, purchase your travel tickets early in the year.
• If your clunker will make the trip, don't rent a car. Use the car rental money to patch up your clunker and pay the insurance. Insurance is mandatory.

About Author:

Nicole S. is a frugal shopper and enjoys looking for the best Black Friday deals during the holiday season. She teaches smart shopping and budgeting.