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It’s almost too strange to comprehend, but in just a few short months time it will be the holiday season again and if you’ve been finding yourself on the tough end of the past year (who hasn’t?) then you’re going to need some tips on how to plan for the upcoming season.
SMART-MONEY KNOWS: FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have money to burn after this year (hey, who does?), but there are still a few months before the holiday season is upon us, so taking some time now to establish who is going to make your gift list, and you may have to be a little more brutal than you usually are here, and who is getting a card this year is important as it will determine what your budget is going to be. So plan a few hours to determine who is making the list, then try and gauge who gets the biggest spend and what you’re intending on spending it on.
Kids will probably get the lion’s share of your spending, but don’t be pressured into spending more than you can and stay away from those credit card offers that come out conveniently just before the shopping season. It could be a good excuse for some life lessons. When you have “the number” you now know how much to siphon away every month until shopping starts – and see what you can buy now and save on holiday premium pricing.
GIFT IDEAS THAT WORK ALL YEAR LONG
Think along the lines of what you can get that won’t break the bank but will cause an “awww” moment every time the lucky recipient uses or sees the gift. Gadget protectors like cell phone holsters are great ideas. Stylish accessories from local producers not only help keep your community businesses going but are also sentimental. Get more ideas, here.
OUT OF THE BOX IDEAS THAT ALSO GET YOU HERO POINTS
It’s a great time to make a change in this world and you can give really cool gifts while doing that. Check out this guide for some inspiration. Or, you can give charity gift cards or contribute to different organizations efforts around the world in the name of someone else.
GET YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED
When it comes to teaching life lessons, the holidays present a unique opportunity to teach your kids all about how the world works and how it doesn’t always work for everyone. So get them involved in making cards and crafts for local old aged homes or hospitals to spread some love and teach them the value of what they already have. Allow them to choose projects and communities that are near to their own hearts and you’ll be heading for a big win.
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT MATERIAL “STUFF”
Nothing says “spend” more than the holidays do and sure it’s always nice to be able to spoil your family rotten this time of the year, but there is an alarming increase in families filing for bankruptcy after the holiday season and that is way worse than not giving the latest “must-have”.
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