Blogmas 2019 Day 1: Debt-Proof​ Holiday Guide

It is officially Blogmas!!! What better way to start than with a ‘How To’.

For those of us who are looking to do some gift-giving this year here are a few tips on how to avoid being in debt.

Create a Budget

How much CAN YOU AFFORD to spend on gifts this year? Take a look at your current budget and if you don’t have one start now. Having a budget allows you to see just how much you have saved for the year and the bills that you have to pay right after the holidays.

Don’t allow your gift-giving to put you in the hole.

Have you been saving all year for the holidays? If not, think about doing it next year. Set aside a certain amount monthly so when the holidays come around you are prepared financially.

Don’t Gift Everyone

There is no reason to feel like you have to gift all your family and friends.

For the adults in the family, you all should get together and do secret Santa. Everyone picks a name and that is who they purchase a gift for. This cuts down on all the adults feeling like they have to buy a gift for everyone in the family.

After you have made your list do not continue to add to it. Remember you have already set a budget. Setting a budget first makes you keep to your list of family of friends.

Gift Smaller

You don’t have to cut people off completely but you can gift smaller gifts. Focus on getting something inexpensive that the person can truly use. Think of the things that they use in their day to day life.

Shop Early

The earlier you start, the better. You have a better chance of finding what you want to gift and even lucking up on sales. Try downloading the store apps for inside deals. I like to use ‘Retail Me Not’ app to search for deals/coupons on all the stores I shop in.

There are a lot of sales during the holidays but don’t wait until the last minute when everyone is looking for the exact items like you. You may think now is to early to start but believe me, now is the best time.

Yes, it is just that simple. Don’t be one of these thousands of people on 24 December trying to find a gift for someone. Make it a goal to finish early. I plan to start around Thanksgiving and by 15 December I plan to be done (3 weeks to get it done). I woke up this morning and have placed some Amazon orders for those who have commented on the things I have purchased from Amazon and how much they like it. ; )

If you missed my announcement on Blogmas click here to catch up.

Trust me you don’t want to miss out.

Happy Holidays!!!