It is five short months to Christmas. Are you ready?
I have a hub, four kids, three kid significant others, six grandbabies, 1 foster grandbaby, 3 close friends, 5 co-workers, 1 father in law and a donation to save for each year.
I set a certain amount for each person that I want to save and divide that by 12 each year. Then, each month, I deposit that amount to the Christmas club account that I have set up at ING.
Then, during the year, I look for bargains...but it also has to be the 'right' bargain. I dont buy just because its on sale...it has to be something meaningful for the recipient. Having the savings allows me to take advantage of sales during the year...like when stores put clothes and toys on clearance during the year..
As the Holiday approaches, I am ready for it. I know what I can spend and when I have to say no.
I keep my eyes open for opportunities..I look for bargains and keep lists.
When Christmas is here, I have a stockpile of gifts that I have found during the year. Some are purchased on vacations...others, during clearance sales, others still, when I find the right gift when it comes along.
Because of my big family, I love Christmas. I am itching to find those great gifts. The money is saved...and ready for the deal on the right gift.
I do the same for birthdays..
And I save for the miscellaneous bills.
Initially, it was very hard to budget for these expenses.
But after the first year, it has gotten easier.
I keep these budgets on an excel spreadsheet and update it weekly. Like anything in life, maintaining it on a daily or weekly budget is much easier than scrambling at the last minute.
If you havent started your budget yet, this might be a good time to start. Five months will go by quickly. No time like the present to start a plan and get ready.
Christmas Budget
July 29th, 2012 at 06:01 am
July 29th, 2012 at 12:56 pm 1343566607
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July 29th, 2012 at 08:20 pm 1343593222