WITH four months left in the year, Christmas is just around the corner, and while that’s all merry and whatnot, it also leaves some people in a pickle about how they’re going to afford the holidays this year.
We all know that the Covid-19 pandemic took an immense toll on the global economy, and maybe even some of us are still trying to figure out how to make ends meet.
How do you put food on the table and still be able to treat yourself and your loved ones to a little something extra special this holiday season?
Start by setting up a holiday budget, then stick to it.
And if you don’t make enough money to buy extravagant gifts like you do every year, give yourself some grace. Everyone is readjusting after the onset of the pandemic.
Plan how much of your monthly income will go to your everyday needs, and how much you can set aside for holiday-related expenses, such as gifts, decorations, and travel plans.
Once you have this estimate, add a little extra to account for potential inflation in the coming months, and any other unforeseen costs.
From there, you’ll not only have a budget to work with, but you’ll also be able to have a better sense of how much you can spend on each holiday-related item on your shopping list.
It’s also important to make a list of all the people you’d like to buy a gift for.
To cut costs, consider making a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. As the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.”
And remember, it’s OK if you can’t buy everyone a gift. You can always give them other things, like your time, or a meal, or a homemade keepsake. They’ll understand.
This holiday season, take a look at what you do have, and get creative.
Lastly, remember to add yourself to the list of people you’d like to give gifts to. If your budget is tight, you can always give yourself more “you time.”
Happy holidays!
