Budgeting is a financial money hack everyone should master. Now that it’s almost christmas and the festivities are in full swing, it is even more important to know how to budget. No matter what your expenses are, whether food, clothing, gift, budgeting can help you avoid going overboard with your resources. You can even budget your time this month. You might want to consider that especially this season that you may have many events and activities needing your attention. That way, it’ll be less likely that you’ll get overwhelmed.
What is budgeting?
Budgeting simply means carefully planning how to spend your resources over a period of time. If you’re making a christmas budget this year, you’re making a simple financial decision that can change the course of your christmas. We can guarantee that a good budgeting habit will secure your spot on the Nice list this beautiful season.
Why do you need a Christmas budget?
It is very simple. Making a christmas budget helps you save money.
At a time like this where everyone’s joyous, you might be feeling extra generous to yourself and to other people. While generosity is a virtue to be encouraged, it is wise to keep track of your resources and know how much of it you’re willing to part with.
Without a budget, you might suddenly find yourself with an empty wallet and bank account. You don’t want to be broke at christmas, do you?
Budgeting can also help you avoid debt. When you spend your money without proper accountability, chances are you’re going to need a loan before the holidays. If you get a loan during christmas, you’ll probably start 2022 with a debt you have to pay. That’s not very nice. You know how long January can be. Having a debt to offset can put even further strain on your finances.
Now how can you create a budget that works for you this christmas?
Tips On Creating a Christmas Budget
Creating a christmas budget doesn’t mean you’re planning to have the most uninteresting christmas ever. In fact, it’s a lot easier to have fun when you already have a financial plan. You know what’s not fun? Having your card declined while christmas shopping due to insufficient funds.
If you’ve made the decision to celebrate this christmas on a budget, here are some tips to help you create a christmas budget and stick to it:
1. Decide on how much is sufficient for your christmas: When making financial plans for christmas period, it’s wise to have a maximum amount that you are okay with spending. When making this decision, make sure to keep your January in mind and make plans to avoid going broke. Remember, life doesn’t end in December.
2. Make a shopping list before you actually start shopping: If you’re preparing to shop for food, clothes, gift items and whatever else, do not wait till you get to the supermarket before figuring out what you want. Make a list at home and evaluate it before you start to spend money. If you go shopping with no set plan, you may buy things you don’t need.
3. Discipline yourself against impulse buying: December is a period of discounts, clearance sales, free deliveries and other kinds of tempting goodies. As enticing as these offers can be, try not to exceed your budget.
4. Consider thoughtful gifts, rather than expensive ones: The value of a gift doesn’t always lie in the price tag. Haven’t you ever heard the saying “It’s the thought that counts”? Many people enjoy the sweetness and thoughtfulness of a gift because it makes them feel seen and loved. You could also ask your friends and family what they’d like to receive for christmas, so you can buy something useful to them.
5. Learn to politely decline extravagant requests: Even though christmas is a season of giving, learn to refuse frivolous requests. Saying no can save you a lot of pressure and reckless spending to meet the unnecessary demands of people.
6. Stop spending once you reach your limit: Remember that decision you made about the amount of money you’re spending this christmas? Do your best to not exceed it. If you go over it even by a little, you will probably continue to spend until you find yourself in a tough financial spot AKA the naughty list.
Enhancing your financial literacy will always be a valid idea no matter what time of the year it is. If you want to have a splendid christmas this year without having to worry about the aftermath of all your merriment, making a christmas budget is the way to go. What’s it going to be this year? Naughty with the squandering and impulse buying, or nice with a trusty little budget to guide your spending this christmas? The choice is yours, and we hope you make the right one!
Samson Oloto
