Credit Free Christmas

Hopefully, you have been preparing for the extra financial impact that Christmas invariably brings with it. We have a separate savings line in our budget specifically titled “Christmas”, so that we know exactly what we can afford to spend on our family and friends. If you haven’t been quite so diligent or if circumstances have caused you to shift your savings, there is still hope.

Mary Hunt, author of Debt Proof Living has a list of ideas that will help you Debt Proof for the Holidays. Some of the ideas are designed to be done year round, but there are a few that can still help you overcome the guilt and pressure that most will encounter over the next 5 weeks. Here is Mary’s list of ideas:

• My Christmas club – establish a weekly savings plan to prepare for gift purchases
• Gift cards – instead of saving cash, purchase gift cards and then spend them as necessary
• A balanced Christmas – purchase gifts that reflect Love, Warmth, Knowledge and Joy
• Pantry Game – for one week eat only what is in the pantry; use the grocery budget for gifts
• Rotating Name Game – instead of buying for everyone, rotate family names
• Questionnaire – develop a questionnaire that updates sizes, colors, wants, and desires
• Gifts for kids only – for extended family purchase only for the children and then contribute to a worthwhile charity
• Frucall.com – before you buy that item, make sure you are getting the best price available
• Outlet store sales and coupons – make sure you are getting a good price buy looking for the sales
• Pare down – teach your children what it means to give by having them contribute good, unused toys to those less fortunate