Christmas Strategies: Gifting without Charging
Before we know it, the shopping season will be upon us. And,
just like Santa's little elves will be working feverishly, we've
got to get busy saving up our cash for Christmas. The
alternative could be to watch helplessly as our credit card
balances increase.
But is it really possible to have a Christmas without using our
credit card? Absolutely! It isn't hard -- it's just a matter of
getting started now! Here are these 3 simple steps to begin ...
Step 1: Determine exactly how much cash you will need.
How much do you normally spend for Christmas gifts and goodies?
Be sure to add in special food expenses to your total, if you're
providing the main holiday meal(s) or responsible for a large
portion of it. Not sure? Do a guesstimate, erring on the plus
side to be safe.
Step 2: Using your total from above, determine how much you'll
need to save daily or weekly. Divide it by the number of weeks
or days left to save up money.
Examples: (These are approximate amounts.)
$500 divided by 15 weeks = $34.00 wk $300 divided by 15 weeks =
$20.00 wk $400 divided by 107 days = $ 3.75 day $200 divided by
107 days = $1.90 day
Step 3: Choose your Method(s) to begin Saving
Pull out your old favorites, and get going! Listed below are a
few ideas to get you started.
Gift Certificates are Not Just for Others ...
Buy a gift certificate each pay period. When you're ready to
shop, use your certificate to pay for the items. Be sure to
watch for expiration dates.
Marlene, a good friend of mine, does this year round. She then
buys items as they come on sale, using her certificates. Marlene
is a single mother who has found a way to buy gifts for her
children without using credit cards or draining money from the
checkbook.
Christmas Account
There's still time to open a Christmas account with your local
credit union or bank. Make automatic payroll deposits if you
can. If not, write yourself a check each pay period and mail it
in to your account. If you cash your paycheck, take out your
targeted amount and deposit the money before it gets spent.
Remember, too, once this account is open, you can make small
deposits year round, eliminating the Christmas Crunch next year.
Pick up Some Extra Work Hours
Many businesses will need extra help as the holidays arrive. You
may be able to pick up some extra hours. Be sure to set aside
any money saved so it doesn't slip through a hole in your
pocket!
$1 Per Day Keeps the Creditors Away
Don't forget the 'Tuck $1-Per-Day-Into-an-Old Sock' method. If
you have 110 days left, you'd have around $110 at $1 per day.
Tucking away $2 per day will find you $220. $330 for $3 per day.
Re-think Buying Gifts This Year
Have you had a rough year financially? Do you owe on credit
cards? Consider not buying gifts this year. What if you were to
save up money as if you were buying gifts, but use it instead to
pay extra on your debt? Can you think of a better gift for your
family? You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel giving
down the road, when you can truly afford it.
Get creative. Imagine that you had no job. What would you do for
gifts? Would you make your own? Send cards only? Email cards?
Brainstorm some unique alternatives.
Remember the Spirit of the Season
Above all, remember the original intent of the holiday
celebrations. The spirit of the season can be lost in the newly
added debt and additional stress created by copying what the
Joneses next door are doing. Prevent future stress by learning
to celebrate without using your credit card. It can actually be
heaps of fun!
Now get started, and set your strategy in place so you'll be
ready and able to pay upfront for next year's holiday, too!