For those of you who have hit the #BlackFriday sales before reading this post, my apologies but save those receipts!
For those of you who are contemplating this coming Cyber Monday, while trying to figure out what to get for whom and how much money you don’t have for any of the latest and greatest, this post is for you!
Here’s a quick list on How to Not Blow Your Budget on Christmas Shopping (given you have a budget) –which actually is first on the list.
#1. Have a Budget. Get a set number you are planning to spend. The goal is to spend cash only; and once the cash is gone, the shopping is done. Make sure this is a realistic number where you do not have to dip into your savings, a college fund, or even your emergency fund. That’s right, Christmas gift shopping is NOT an emergency!
“Setting a budget can help you avoid overspending (and dealing with debt for months to come)….”
#2. Make a list and Check it twice! (Hey it’s Christmas, I had to get at least one song in here). However, it’s true. Make a list of all those for whom you want to purchase gifts. Now check that list again and ask yourself, “Is this a genuine gift I am giving or am I simply trying to impress this person?” No one is impressed when you’re broke! (Do me a favor and Tweet this because someone is thinking about skipping a Debt Freedom payment).
#3. Ask yourself, “Can I make a gift?” I have received thoughtful handmade gifts. Take for example my prayer box. It was handmade with a few slips of nice stationary paper inside for me to write my prayers and/or intentions. Check out my Instagram page to see the prayer box my good friend made for me. Have you stopped by Pinterest lately? Check out and follow some of my boards to get some great gift ideas. Continue reading