I wish everybody a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! I hope enjoy the day with family and friends.....and, of course, food.
We all know that "the day after" is Black Friday. This is a "make or break" day for many stores during the holiday season. However, this does NOT have to be a "make or break" day for your and your finances.
With that said, if you are going to battle the crowds this Friday, please bring a set amount of money with you and do not go beyond amount. Also, if you know that you are frequently tempted to use credit cards or department store cards, leave them at home. In the long run, you will be happy that you did, especially if you tend to carry balances from month to month.
The cash back and bonus points rarely make up for all the money spent and interest charges incurred. To me, it's not worth it.
Stay tuned for more!
Showing posts with label holiday spending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday spending. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
'Tis The Season
Hi Everyone!
I'm back and ready to blog!! I'm looking forward to my upcoming seminars about avoiding credit card debt. And now that we are approaching mid-October, it's not too early to talk about holiday spending.
With so many people burdened by the economy, gift giving during the upcoming holiday season may add to their stress levels.........But it DOESN'T HAVE TO! Keep a couple of things in mind -
1) If you haven't already started to put some money aside for holiday spending, that's ok. You can start now. Now, yes, I did just write that people are burdened by the economy, so you might be asking "Why is he talking about saving for the holidays when bill paying is tough enough?"
Well, being a student of "human nature" as much as I am of credit card debt, I know that a lot of people will still spend a significant amount of money on holiday gifts, despite their current economic situation. So it's best to discipline yourself to put away a few dollars a week now for the next couple of months than to wait until December and then worry about where you are going to find the money. THAT'S when people get into real trouble...with their credit cards! They feel they have no other choice but to charge. However, if you save now, you can avoid those dreaded January and February bills.
2) If you feel that you cannot "save" money now, but you know that you are still going to spend that money, then buy those Christmas gifts NOW! At least you will get your shopping done early and you won't have to fight the crowds right before the holidays (or on "Black Friday.") This also gives you an opportunity to plan your spending instead of rushing at the end of the season and potentially overspending on items that you might not really want to by anyway, but were forced to because the "pickings were slim."
With a little bit of planning and discipline, you can have an affordable (and Happy!) holiday season. Remember - you don't have to "keep up with the Joneses." Besides, as Dave Ramsey says, "They're broke too!"
I'm back and ready to blog!! I'm looking forward to my upcoming seminars about avoiding credit card debt. And now that we are approaching mid-October, it's not too early to talk about holiday spending.
With so many people burdened by the economy, gift giving during the upcoming holiday season may add to their stress levels.........But it DOESN'T HAVE TO! Keep a couple of things in mind -
1) If you haven't already started to put some money aside for holiday spending, that's ok. You can start now. Now, yes, I did just write that people are burdened by the economy, so you might be asking "Why is he talking about saving for the holidays when bill paying is tough enough?"
Well, being a student of "human nature" as much as I am of credit card debt, I know that a lot of people will still spend a significant amount of money on holiday gifts, despite their current economic situation. So it's best to discipline yourself to put away a few dollars a week now for the next couple of months than to wait until December and then worry about where you are going to find the money. THAT'S when people get into real trouble...with their credit cards! They feel they have no other choice but to charge. However, if you save now, you can avoid those dreaded January and February bills.
2) If you feel that you cannot "save" money now, but you know that you are still going to spend that money, then buy those Christmas gifts NOW! At least you will get your shopping done early and you won't have to fight the crowds right before the holidays (or on "Black Friday.") This also gives you an opportunity to plan your spending instead of rushing at the end of the season and potentially overspending on items that you might not really want to by anyway, but were forced to because the "pickings were slim."
With a little bit of planning and discipline, you can have an affordable (and Happy!) holiday season. Remember - you don't have to "keep up with the Joneses." Besides, as Dave Ramsey says, "They're broke too!"
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