Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also one of the most expensive.
In 2018, it was estimated that Americans spent an average of $882 on gifts alone. So, while you want the holidays to be magical and memorable, you don't want to break the bank to do it.
David Sant, Chief Marketing Officer at Cyprus Credit Union, joined us with some ways to manage your holiday spending.
Set Limits
Find out how much you will need to spend. This doesn't mean just gifts; make sure to account for decorations, food, travel, etc. Once you create a budget, mark down everything you spend that is related to the holidays.
Create and Account
After your budget is set, you now need the money to make your holidays a reality. Open a savings account that is specifically for the holidays. The earlier you start setting money aside, the less you'll have to scramble once the holidays are in full swing.
Start Shopping Early
Around the holidays, the atmospheres of stores are designed to make you spend more money. By skipping the holiday rush, you can spend money without the pressure. Online shopping is a great option for the holidays. Your items will show up right on your doorstep negating the need to go to the stores at all. You can also use that time to price compare to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Be Realistic
It`s okay to want the holidays to be perfect but don't set the bar so high you`re stressed trying to reach it. Chances are, no matter how much you plan, some things just won't work out and that`s okay. Also, make sure there are expectations set for your child. Let them know that while they can ask for anything they want, they may not get everything on their list.
Get a Holiday Job
One way to help boost your holiday budget is finding extra work to add a little bit of income. A lot of companies will hire for full or part-time jobs for the holiday season. Whether its everyday or once a week, adding a little bit of income will help offset some of the costs of the holiday season.
Fore more financial advice please visit: cypruscu.com.
