This year more than ever, careful budget planning is required for every dollar spent. Already many people have cut down on spending and are paying down debt. With Coronavirus no one knows how safe their job, or their business is.
Now is the time for a reality check when it comes to how you will spend your money over the Christmas and New Year holiday break.
The count down to the festive season has begun. Here are some sobering dates:
- 18 September: 14-weeks
- 2 October: 12-weeks
- 6 November: 7-weeks
- 4 December: 3-weeks
Starting a budget is one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions. If you made that resolution at the beginning of 2020, how closely have you followed your budget?
It will not be long before the retail industry is in full advertising mode, making the Christmas season all about how much you spend on presents and food.
When your financial future is uncertain, it is time to take stock. Now is the time to carefully evaluate how you can make these coming festivities a joyous one for all. It is time to make your money arrangements now. I believe this should be a family affair so there are no shocks. Talk to both your immediate and extended family.
While you may be confident that you can continue to spend in your normal way, you may have extended family members who are not as fortunate. Can you relieve the burden for them by simply recommending a Christmas budget for all when it comes to gift-giving and preparing the family buffet?
Here are some things to consider:
- Gifts – Who will receive presents and the limit for each person on the list
- Festive season food – set a budget and plan your menu now
- Festive season holidays – set a budget and choose a holiday that fits within your budget.
Now that you have worked out how much extra money you will need, it is time you work out how you will pay for it.
From the above dates, you can calculate out how much time before Christmas. You may want to start saving a weekly amount. If your budget is already tight, work out which things you will go without now so you can afford those few luxuries over the holiday season.
I did a quick search on Google and these links will give you plenty of helpful hints:
- Here’s how to have a Beautiful Christmas by spending almost no money
- Tips for saving money during Christmas
- Eleven Ways to Resist Christmas Consumerism
- Seven Ways to Resist the Urge to Splurge during the Holidays
There will be many people this Christmas who will be lucky to find the money to put food on the table this Christmas day. Spare a thought for them and maybe put a little aside for others less fortunate.
Glenis Phillips SF FIN – Designer of Financial Mappers
Disclaimer: Financial Mappers does not have an Australian Services License, does not offer financial planning advice, and does not recommend financial products.
