Community Corner

The Best Hint of All: Have a Plan

And write it down. Santa makes a list - you should, too.

 

Have a plan, and write it down. This is the biggest hint from all the experts. If you do this one thing, you will cut your holiday stress in half.

Figure out how much money you want to spend – or can afford to spend – on the holidays in total.

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  • Write down your per-person gift budget, then multiply by the number of people.
  • Write down your per-person stocking stuffer budget, then multiply.
  • If you are having a family gathering at your house, estimate the cost of the meal, including beverages.
  • Are you buying a tree? Write that down. Do you need new lights? They’re not free.
  • Sending Christmas cards? The cards themselves, and the stamps, are not an insignificant amount.
  • Are you giving or making gifts for the kids’ teachers? What about the mailman, the trash guys and gals, the paper delivery person, your hairdresser and the other people who you might want to remember with a small gift or a cash tip? Add them in.
  • What about wrapping paper? Be sure to figure paper, ribbon, gift cards and tape into the equation, if you need or use those items.
  • Budget yourself a couple of breaks – take-out dinners, an afternoon at the movies for the kids, whatever means “break” for you. If it costs money, be sure to factor it into your budget.

Got the list? Add it up.

Now – go back and adjust that per-person gift budget.

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Do not leave the list at home. Take it with you, check off the purchases when you make them, and stick to it.


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