Keep a Lid on Your Holiday Spending

It’s easy to get carried away and spend too much during the holidays. Before your holiday spirit leads you into debt, look for ways to control your expenses.

Start with a List

Make a list of all the people on your gift list. It might include family, friends, coworkers, and people who perform services for you. Decide on a budget and either assign an amount to spend on each person or determine the total amount you can afford to spend.

Streamline Giving

Everyone’s budget is tight around the holidays. Cut down on purchasing individual gifts by having a “Secret Santa” at work. Perhaps adults in the family also would appreciate not having to exchange gifts anymore.

Leave Credit Cards at Home

Limit yourself to using cash only, which will help prevent overspending. Decide what you want to buy for the people on your list before you shop. Don’t be tempted by sales that lure you to stores you didn’t intend to visit.

Be Cautious with Shopping Online

Avoid blowing your budget by sticking to your gift list and budget. Ignore suggestions for other items that might appear on a website.