Don’t let the rush of the Christmas season get the best of you or your familiy’s finances. With 7 simple tips, the “merry” can be kept in Christmas.
1. Be smart. Know how much money can be spent before buying gifts. If there’s $250 then don’t spend $400-$500.
2. Make a list naming the people you want to give gifts to and attach a spending limit to each one.
3. Look for and take advantage of coupons and online specials.
4. Never feel pressured to buy or do more than you have the time for or the money to sensibly afford.
5. Homemade is wonderful: jams, doll clothes, knit or crochet items, potted plants, baked goods, beaded jewelry, wooden boxes… be creative!
6. Give to charities in the name of a family member: help a child, a women’s shelter, a rescue mission, the city zoo… lots of opportunities abound. Helping others warms the heart of the giver, too.
7. Make a spending plan starting in January to be ready for the next Christmas season.
Luke 2:11 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (our greatest gift!)
