Budgeting 101: You Will Need this This December!

Budgeting 101: You Need This

Even the people who are very good at budgeting started somewhere. I have encountered people who have been trying to save for a long time but can’t properly save anything. Desperate enough, they open a savings account but to only make it worse as they can’t keep up. Sound like me!

So since the biggest holiday season of the year is around the corner, I thought I’d give you some advice on how to budget so you don’t spend it all. Just follow me here.

Make a list for all the gifts. My grandparents live overseas, but I’m sure they’re waiting for a kind gift or sum from their favorite grandchild. My goddaughter and godbrothers have been reminding me what they’d want from Santa. So what do I do? I work on a list of exactly what I’d like to buy for everyone. Starting with myself… What? I deserve something too.
Work on a spending budget. I know everyone is important to you. But more importantly, you’ve worked so hard for every dollar you own. So, I don’t think it’s wise to waste it all this holiday season and leave nothing behind to subsist in the dry month of January. Therefore, if you say $500 for gifts, then you have to commit to it. Remember, commit!
Shop only at the lowest costs. I prefer buying my items in clearance. Don’t get me wrong, I value every gift I give a friend, a family member, or my loved ones. Nonetheless, if the same purse is being sold at Nordstrom for the same amount of money I can buy it at Kohl’s and I have a 20% coupon at Kohl’s, then I’d certainly pursue my purchase at Kohl’s. There are always some great deals on Amazon, JCPenny, Kohl’s, Nordstrom Rack. Now get to it!
Refrain from extra spending. This may not sound as realistic to you, but I’m sure you too can do it. It might be resounding to also get a fine dress and pair of heels (speaking to the ladies) for yourself. But don’t. Have you ever been to a clearance sale in January? Yes, I have! Accordingly, find something you never use from your closet and wear it to this holiday party you’ve been dreaming to attend. If you can’t find something though, use your coupons. Don’t pay regular price. Just don’t do it!
Finally, be at peace with yourself. This Christmas holiday is not about the gifts. It’s about finding peace with those around us and reaching out to those in need. Our gifts simply remind our friends and families that we were thinking an about them all year long, we appreciate and value their relationships and wise counsel. Because of that, we decide to show some appreciation with a kind gift. But that’s just a symbol. The appreciation comes deep down from your heart. Hence this is only possible if you have peace within yourself. Then work on your budget. And show your gratitude.