Hey there! 🎃🎄🕎
Before you roll your eyes and say, "It's not even Halloween, and we're talking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah, "I totally get it. 🙄 I'm with you on not loving the stores decking the halls before we've even picked out our Halloween costumes.
But here's the deal: The end of October is the perfect time to start planning for the holidays. Why, you ask? Because having a spending plan for the holidays can be your secret weapon against stress and overspending. 🛍️💸
**Mapping Out Your November & December Budget**
- 🏡 Family visiting? Increase your food and entertainment budget.
- 🦃 Hosting Thanksgiving or December Holiday? Beef up the food budget.
- ✈️ Traveling? Don't forget to factor in those costs.
- 🛍️ Eyeing Black Friday or November shopping or December sales? Plan your Christmas and Hanukkah gift budget.
- 🎀 Want to decorate? Make room for it in your budget.
**Smart Strategies for a Debt-Free Celebration Season**
1. 📝 List time! Make a list of everyone you're gifting to, even the neighbors, coworkers, and friends who you plan to give to.
2. 💲 Assign a dollar amount and gift idea (remember a gift can be homemade or a service- see below) to each person.
3. 🛒 Stick to your list when shopping & planning. A plan is only as good as its execution.
And let's not forget what these holidays are truly about. They're not just about giving gifts but celebrating family, friends, and the rich traditions of a specific religion.
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and spreading love and goodwill. Hanukkah, for instance, is a time to commemorate the miracle of the oil and the victory of light over darkness. 🕯️🌟
**Facing a budget shortfall? Get creative! 🎨**
- 💡 DIY gifts like homemade applesauce, jam, or cookie jars.
- 👨🔧 Tap into your skills like sewing, knitting, or woodworking.
- 🎁 Offer services like free dog sitting or babysitting.
- 🤝 Suggest drawing names for gifts among friends and family. Get creative with your exchange- like the gift has to be made.
Don't forget to start the conversation early about what's doable within your budget. Planning ahead is the secret sauce!
**And here's a tip for 2024**
Track this year's spending and save for it monthly starting in January. For example- If you spent $800, put aside (envelope, separate savings acct/bucket acct) $67 each month, and you'll have a stress-free holiday season next year.
Remember, early planning is your key to a jolly holiday season! 🎅✨
Happy planning,
Liz 💰🌟
Your Financial and Mental Fitness Coach 🌟💼
P.S. If you found these tips helpful, please feel free to share with friends or family who might benefit from them. Together, we can empower more people to make smarter financial decisions, even in challenging times. 🤗📤
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