Christmas Morning 2011
Guess what? Christmas is less than 6 months away! Are you ready? No, I don't mean gifts! Rather how you're going to pay for those presents. When Dave implemented cash based budgeting for our family several years ago, we started setting aside a small amount of cash each month specifically for Christmas. As simple as the concept sounds, we never considered saving for Christmas prior to reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover! We always bought gifts on credit and stressed over the bill in January. But now, our holidays are free of financial stress. We get to fully enjoy the season with our family and friends without worry. It's also a comfort knowing that if something were to happen today, like the loss of a job, we've already got Christmas covered (at least for the kids). Just a small amount set aside each month now, will make a big difference come December!
Make it a GREEN Christmas this year. Save and pay cash!
Budgeting resources we've found helpful:
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
by Dave Ramsey
The Money Saving Mom's Budget
by Crystal Paine (The Money Saving Mom)
Dig Out of Debt
by Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam
Disclosure
That`s a good idea! I usually start in June to look for some small ideas of Christmas presents for friends and family. This year I have set some money aside for a special friend to organize a huge food hamper nearer to the time. Our grown up kids get a small amount of money each in a Christmas card and that`s us sorted for the coming festive season.
ReplyDeleteMy company allows you to set aside a certain amount (up to me) every two weeks when I get paid. I'm not allowed to tap into it until November 1. Ever since I've used this, I have not gone over budget once and I have no credit card woes come January!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea. I'm currently reading "Financial Peace," and it's so amazing. My husband has already read it, and now it's making sense why he does certain financial things/planning.
ReplyDeleteI personally start Christmas shopping early, sometimes as early as September. When I see suitable gifts on sale, I get them. I keep a list of what I've bought and who it is for. I don't go over budget that way and I get the shopping done early since I give myself several months to find what I want.
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Susan