Dear Dave,
I know it may be early to talk about Christmas, but do you have any advice on saving for the holiday season?
Carlie
Dear Carlie,
It’s never too early to talk about Christmas! I’m glad you’re thinking about things ahead of time. A lot of people wait until December to buy gifts and make plans. That’s fine if they’ve got the money set aside to handle things, but most of them don’t. Then, they panic and turn to credit cards. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re still paying off Christmas in April.
If you don’t have anything put aside yet, I’d suggest setting some spending goals now. Taking a close look at your income and expenses should be part of this. If you’re not doing it already, what I’m talking about here is living on a written, monthly budget.
Look at how much you can afford to put toward Christmas each month, make a gift-giving goal amount, and stick to it. Along with this, you might consider opening a separate account just for your Christmas savings. Start looking for gift deals now, too. There are end-of-summer sales still going on, and you never know what you might find.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful Christmas or make the season special for others—even when it comes to giving. Thoughtful handmade items, meaningful photographs set in a frame, or special baked goods are great ways to show the folks in your life you’re thinking about them and how much you care.
Now, let’s talk about next year. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with including a line just for Christmas in your budget each month. Christmas doesn’t sneak up on you. It’s on December 25th every single year. Putting a little money aside all year long might just take some of the stress out of your Yuletide planning.
Good question, Carlie!
Dave
Source: eastidahonews.com
I know it may be early, but do you have any advice on saving for the holiday season?
More from BlackfootMore posts in Blackfoot »
- Blackfoot woman arrested after reportedly driving drunk with a child present after threatening man with knife
- An 85-year-old woman was handcuffed to a chair during an armed home invasion. She killed the robber and survived.
- Air Idaho Rescue now carrying whole blood on every flight
- Aberdeen man charged after allegedly pulling gun on family during road altercation
- ‘It’s going to be monumental.’ A recovery center opened in Blackfoot this week.
More from Dave SaysMore posts in Dave Says »
- What advice do you have for college students who want to start building wealth?
- My wife wants a mommy makeover. I want her to feel good about herself, but those can be really expensive
- Is it okay to combine finances with someone before you marry them?
- I’m trying very hard to get out of debt. Is it okay to include a little wallet cash in my budget?
- My husband died last year at age 45. I’m 42 and in good health but should I pre-pay for my funeral?
More from DriggsMore posts in Driggs »
- Air Idaho Rescue now carrying whole blood on every flight
- Are buses and planes full of undocumented immigrants being dropped off in eastern Idaho? Here’s what we found
- Snow will continue to fall throughout the week. When will it stop?
- Two highways open, another remains closed after snow storm
- GALLERY: Heavy snowfall causes damage to homes, vehicles and infrastructure
More from Idaho FallsMore posts in Idaho Falls »
- Idaho Falls man sentenced to federal prison for enticing a 15-year-old
- Virtual auditions to sing the National Anthem at Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo now open
- D91 approves $4.3M in budget reductions
- You’re invited to watch athletes compete in popular CrossFit competition this month
- Retired wrestler, ex-congressional candidate challenging evidence in Christopher Tapp murder case
More from LocalMore posts in Local »
- Meet two candidates running for Fremont County Commission
- Idaho suspends social worker scholarship program, cites budget concerns
- Idaho Falls man sentenced to federal prison for enticing a 15-year-old
- Virtual auditions to sing the National Anthem at Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo now open
- ISU to construct brand new swimming pool to replace over 70-year-old one
More from MoneyMore posts in Money »
- Judge says contractor must give back $114,000 in ‘unearned payment’ to Rigby homeowners
- Constitutional ban on legal pot advances in Idaho
- Broulim’s takes another step toward a Victor store?
- Walmart to build more robot-filled warehouses at stores
- Stimulus checks, unemployment and more: Here’s the aid that’s coming from Washington — and what might be coming soon
More from PocatelloMore posts in Pocatello »
- Idaho Falls man sentenced to federal prison for enticing a 15-year-old
- ISU to construct brand new swimming pool to replace over 70-year-old one
- Chubbuck man charged after allegedly selling fentanyl to informant
- Pocatello Planning and Zoning Commission says proposed sign ordinance cap still needs work
- Pocatello/Chubbuck school trustees to patrons: Vote no on their $33 million bond ask
More from RexburgMore posts in Rexburg »
- Idaho suspends social worker scholarship program, cites budget concerns
- Two men charged after vehicle burglaries involving guns in Rexburg
- Gallery: Your photos from Monday’s solar eclipse
- Opening statements to be held Wednesday in Chad Daybell trial as jury is finalized
- Rexburg man charged after secretly filming himself have sex with woman, police say
More from RigbyMore posts in Rigby »
- Central Fire District Fire Chief set to retire after 28 years of service
- Air Idaho Rescue now carrying whole blood on every flight
- Jefferson County prosecutor launching investigation over claims that $15,000 in public funds were misallocated
- Looking back: Train hits truck with two men inside and 13-year-old boy accidentally gets shot in the foot
- Are buses and planes full of undocumented immigrants being dropped off in eastern Idaho? Here’s what we found
More from St. AnthonyMore posts in St. Anthony »
- Meet two candidates running for Fremont County Commission
- Opening statements to be held Wednesday in Chad Daybell trial as jury is finalized
- Air Idaho Rescue now carrying whole blood on every flight
- Deputy Attorney General appointed to Daybell prosecution team
- How do authorities identify someone through dental records?
Be First to Comment