Since your holiday budget is likely to be similar to what you’ve spent in the past few years, it’s relatively easy to come up with a budget and have an idea of what you’re going to be spending. Advanced planning will take away quite a bit of stress come December and if you list out everyone you need to buy for and how much you would like to spend now you’ll save money in the long run. Waiting until the week or two before Christmas will make you more likely to spend more on a gift just to get it over with.
Bring a Lunch
If you’re in the habit of going out to lunch everyday now is the time to start packing a sandwich. It may not seem like much at first, but if you take $8 a day and put it back instead of spending it on grub for the next 30 days, you’ll still have over two weeks until Christmas and a cool $240 to cross some names off the gift list.
Be Creative
Do you normally buy for co-workers, neighbors, or other non-relatives? You can save money by simply being creative. For the crafty people you can find out things they really enjoy and make a cross-stitch or a painting or something like that. Or perhaps you can simply find out their favorite dessert and bake it for them. These type of gifts are easier on the wallet and because they’re thoughtful, go a much longer way than an overpriced generic gift at the department store.
Be Prepared
Make a list of everything you’ll need during the holidays, whether it be plenty of napkins for that Christmas meal, batteries, drinks, etc. Stock up on everything you’ll need. This will save you more stress than money, but stocking up on supplies at the grocery store is a lot cheaper than realizing you need something Christmas day and buying it at a convenience store.
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