Christmas is just around the corner. It seems to come faster each year. Today I made out my Christmas list and what gifts each person on my list will receive. I love that part. This year almost nothing is coming from the big box stores as I’m trying to support small independent local businesses. Most of my shopping will be done by this Sunday and then I can spend the rest of the season enjoying time with friends and family.
I think most of the Christmas stress is caused by folks overloading their plates with too many activities and/or too much spending. When the budget is tight, it’s a good idea to set whatever limit you have on spending, make out your list of gift recipients and fit the budget with the list. A thoughtful surprise at Christmas will be fun regardless of how much or how little you spend on it.
This year why not be a poor consumer? If you don’t have the cash for something, don’t buy it until you do. Credit cards have been the bane on our financial well being by creating massive debt. If you know you can’t help but spend more than you can pay off every month, it’s time to either cut up the credit cards or leave them at home when you go shopping. If you’re like me and don’t like to carry a wad of cash with you, a debit card works the same as cash. However, when you use a debit or credit card, it costs the merchant extra money. The last I heard it was 2 – 3% of the purchase price. The only one to profit from this is the bank and banks don’t need more profit.
Make this year’s Christmas the most fun and most stress free Christmas ever. All you have to remember is to not fall into the must buy or the must do trap.
I love you,
Mama Vic
