Find out more on Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix Now!
Monday, December 15, 2008
One of the hardest times of year to keep from going in debt is Christmas. Here are a few tips for having a memorable Christmas without the debt.
Swap Names
If there are three or more people in your family, consider picking names. Have each person draw one name and buy just one gift for that person.
For instance, if there were four people in a family, each person would buy just one gift: four total.
If, on the other hand, each person bought gifts for the other three family members, 12 gifts would be purchased. (4 family members x 3 gifts apiece = 12 gifts) So by drawing names, it's possible to reduce your gift-spending by 200%.
Make Your Gifts
Do you have a skill for making things? Then consider making your gifts instead of spending money to buy them!
My wife is good at making jewelry, ornaments, and hair bows. She's used her skill to save money during the holidays.
Don't Give Gifts
There is so much abundance and wealth in the U.S., we hardly "need" anything. So is it really necessary to go nuts and spend a small fortune on gifts?
Consider putting a hold on gift-giving for a year. Instead, focus on spending quality time with those you love.
Write a List
If you decide to buy gifts, then don't set foot in a retail store without knowing exactly what you're getting -- and exactly how much you plan to spend.
Window shopping is a friend of debt. But if you have a clear purpose and budget, you'll walk away with your finances intact.
Don't Use Credit
When buying gifts, use cash or debit -- but avoid using credit. Since you're spending a lot of money in between the statement cycle, it's too easy to lose track of what you've spent.
An extra benefit: You can rest easy in January knowing you won't get a credit card bill with a huge balance.
Swap Names
If there are three or more people in your family, consider picking names. Have each person draw one name and buy just one gift for that person.
For instance, if there were four people in a family, each person would buy just one gift: four total.
If, on the other hand, each person bought gifts for the other three family members, 12 gifts would be purchased. (4 family members x 3 gifts apiece = 12 gifts) So by drawing names, it's possible to reduce your gift-spending by 200%.
Make Your Gifts
Do you have a skill for making things? Then consider making your gifts instead of spending money to buy them!
My wife is good at making jewelry, ornaments, and hair bows. She's used her skill to save money during the holidays.
Don't Give Gifts
There is so much abundance and wealth in the U.S., we hardly "need" anything. So is it really necessary to go nuts and spend a small fortune on gifts?
Consider putting a hold on gift-giving for a year. Instead, focus on spending quality time with those you love.
Write a List
If you decide to buy gifts, then don't set foot in a retail store without knowing exactly what you're getting -- and exactly how much you plan to spend.
Window shopping is a friend of debt. But if you have a clear purpose and budget, you'll walk away with your finances intact.
Don't Use Credit
When buying gifts, use cash or debit -- but avoid using credit. Since you're spending a lot of money in between the statement cycle, it's too easy to lose track of what you've spent.
An extra benefit: You can rest easy in January knowing you won't get a credit card bill with a huge balance.
About the Author:
Did you know Americans are paying off debt faster than the previous 10 years? It's a fact. Discover how you can pay off your debt fast when you request my free debt reduction report. It's currently available for immediate download.
posted by Credit Counseling at
1:46 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home