Buy Gifts for Every Occasion without Breaking the Bank
If you're like most people, you don't really begin thinking
about holiday gift giving until November rolls around. It's then
that you start considering who will be on your gift list, and as
the month wears on, you begin to come up with ideas for each
person on your list. Electronics and tools top your husband's
wish list, you want to get your newlywed niece some housewares,
your kids want toys and games, and you're considering digital
cameras for your parents and your in-laws.
By the day after Thanksgiving, you're ready to hit the ground
running and shop 'til you drop. Whether you peruse the malls or
shop online, you quickly run through your list, picking up the
electronics, cameras, housewares, toys and games, and tools you
need. In the process, you might select some new lingerie for
yourself and some extra health and beauty products for your
boudoir.
The festivities of the holidays arrive, and everyone on your
list is pleased with their gifts. Before you know it, it's the
New Year, and the credit card bills begin to arrive. Once again,
your enthusiasm (or obligation) for gift giving exceeded your
budget, and you're faced with paying off the debt associated
with holiday gift giving.
Gift giving doesn't have to mean going into debt each year. With
a little forethought, you can give beautiful gifts for every
occasion without breaking the bank or going into debt. Here's
how:
First, decide how much money you want to spend on gifts each
year. Consider not only holiday gifts, but also gifts for every
occasion - birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and
so on. Be realistic.
Next, divide the total amount by twelve. As an example, if your
budget for gifts for every occasion is $1,200, you need to save
an average of $100 each month for gifts. That may sound
impossible, but there are a number of painless ways to collect
the money you need to give gifts for every occasion:
Tax Refund: This year, put your tax refund into an account
you've specifically set up for gifts. Funding your gift account
with your tax refund will give you an early start and could give
you a nice sum to begin filling the coffers.
Coupon Money: Start clipping coupons and using product rebates.
When you use coupons at the grocery store, take the money you
saved and put it into your gift account. When you receive a
product rebate, deposit that money into your account.
Yard Sales: Everyone has too much stuff. Clean your closets,
attic, basement, and garage, and have a yard sale. Put the money
you earn into your gift account.
Online Auctions: If you have the time, consider selling your
better items through an online auction service, such as eBay.
It's easier than you think, and you can make enough money
throughout the year to fund your gift account.
Pay Yourself First: If you think you'll still come up short of
your monthly goal, take advantage of automatic deduction
programs your employer may offer. If the money is taken out of
your paycheck before you receive it and put into a savings
account, you'll never miss it.
When you save regularly, you'll have a nice nest egg from which
to draw in order to buy gifts for every occasion. Just think
about how great it will be next holiday season, when you can buy
gifts for everyone on your list without worrying about January's
credit card bills.