Cheap and Cheerful Holiday

It’s beginning to cost a lot like Christmas. And when you have four kids – three teen girls – that can put a dent in your bank account.

But it doesn’t have to.

The best suggestion I will make is to set a budget. Now, I know you love your offspring. But they are not the reason for the season. Your sweet bundle of joy is not the second coming. You do not need to spend the modern equivalent of the price of the gifts of the magi.

Everyone’s budget is going to be different. This is when you need to talk to your kids , family, and partner. Tough choices need to be made.

When you’re making a budget, don’t forget to include your bills, phone, electric, gas for your car, food. I know that sounds silly but hear me out. If you have a relatively new account or bill, you may not exactly remember that it needs to be paid. Don’t damage your credit for Christmas. Make that list. Check it twice.

Not everyone is crafty. If you are, don’t underestimate the power of homemade items. I’m lucky enough to know how to knit. I make hates, scarves, mittens, and socks for a huge portion of my gift receiving list. You can find a ton of dollar store DIY videos on YouTube.

But if crafting isn’t your deal, maybe baking is. I’m the cookie queen at Christmas. I give a lot of people a dozen cookies. Recipes in a jar are also a great idea if you’re not the baking kind but your gift recipient is.

In the end, You know the gift recipient. With a budget in place, you should be able to tackle gift giving without going into debt.

What are some tips and tricks you have to keep from digging a debt hole? Do you have a budget?

Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe. That’s all I’ve got for today, train wreck. All aboard.