Are you ever ready?
In a period of only 62 days we celebrate: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Along with good cheer, the holidays bring so many expenses—Christmas parties, travel, decorations, and groceries. Without a budget, this can get out of hand because on top of that are holiday gifts. It’s no wonder many Americans sink further into debt during the holidays.
This year, set a holiday budget and savings goal and get started saving for Christmas as early as possible. By setting a holiday budget and paying upfront, you avoid that post-holiday credit card hangover. The earlier you start, the bigger the nest egg. By avoiding holiday debt, it’s easier to work toward your long-term goal of building your savings.
Tips to help you get started:
- Set up a Holiday Savings Account
Start setting aside a small amount of money each week or as often as possible. A few bucks here and there will go a long way in the end
- Make Extra Money During the Holiday Season
Although sometimes picking up a few extra hours sounds like a great idea (and it is), it may not be an option for everyone. When this is not possible utilizing other ways to save will work just fine in the long run.
- Re-Examine Your Budget and Expenses
This technique should be completed more often than just around the holidays, but what better time than now to start. We all spend on those little extras. Think of all those little extras throughout the year and add up how much you have spent on them. What else could that money have been used for?
- Give Up Something
I know this may seem hard but little things can really add up. Pack your lunch an extra day this week rather than ordering out. Do you really need that donut or bagel with your coffee or candy bar at the convenient store?
- Count Your Pennies
Who doesn’t have change left throughout the week from something that you bought? Dumping that “extra” change into a container weekly can accumulate money you never knew you had. It may only cover the smallest gift or grocery item but it’s one less thing to worry about.
- Sell Your Stuff
Look around your house. What have you not used in the last year? Getting rid of unwanted items can easily put extra money in your pocket. Maybe it’s a video game, a bike, hunting equipment or a purse. Everyone has items laying around but did you know selling those items could quickly add cash to your holiday savings account. Visit findnflip.com and start selling now!