With the holiday’s right around the corner, it is a good idea to get a jump-start on your holiday budget. Powercat Financial Counseling is here to assist if you are a first time budgeter, or if you need assistance with your current one. You can make an appointment any time by following this link: http://www.k-state.edu/pfc/. Also be sure to keep up with our events and tips by following us on twitter @KStatePFC.
To kick off the holiday season PFC hosted an event recently – Thrifty Gifting, to find out information regarding the shopping guide, holiday budget worksheet and the slide presentation follow http://www.k-state.edu/pfc/budgeting/.
The holidays seem to creep up and before we know it we are trying to buy gifts all within one week (we have all been there); which is not a good idea if you are on a tight budget. With no plan, or budget, gift giving can quickly get out of control and cause a lot of stress. Some people slip up on their budget during the holiday seasons because they believe they deserve a free pass during the holidays. Don’t fall into this pattern and create bad habits. To stay within the holiday bliss we would like to share some tips for the holiday season.
First things, first, create a budget
First you will need to sit down and make a list of all the people you may want to buy a gift for. How much you will spend on each person. You can either budget out per person, or take a percentage of your income for your total gift-giving budget. The difficult part will be sticking to it! Remember if you stick to the budget you will be less stressed and not feel guilty for over spending, equaling a joyful Holiday time!
Crafty and meaningful gifts
Giving gifts does not have to be all about how much money you spend on them. You can bring joy to others by being crafty with your gifts, bake, and draw or make a craft for a gift. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that have a lot of meaning behind them. Suggestions might be framing a wonderful picture for the person that brings back memories of a day you shared.
Shop the sales
Shop the sales! This may not necessarily mean black Friday, shop online (try to find companies that offer free shipping and free returns). There are a lot of options for shopping online now, it may take more time than going to a store, but may save a lot more money in the long run.
Remember what the holidays are about
The holidays do not have to be all about gifts, the holidays are a time for building memories with your loved ones. If gift giving is not an option have a gathering, such as a potluck. With a potluck everyone can make a dish relieving pressure on one person, but allowing everyone to gather together.
Camila Haselwood
Peer Counselor II
Powercat Financial Counseling
www.k-state.edu/pfc
