How’s the sale season treating you? Have you tracked down just how much, so far, you have spent Christmas shopping? How much is your Christmas shopping budget, anyway? Do you still remember how much you spent last Christmas? There is this article on the Inquirer on how to have a “sensible” holiday spending. Because, really, we have to be aware of how much damage we’re creating in our wallets. And I’m sure a lot of people has maxed out their credit cards. Here are some of the holiday mistakes that we might find ourselves into.
You get “blind” during the holidays. With the 13th, 14th, and whatever bonuses you receive during the end of the year, it’s easy to get carried away in the season of giving.
This is the time to be prudent. If you have debts, this is the break that you’re waiting (praying) for. It’s best to try to settle debts. Just tell your parents, brothers/sisters, friends, colleagues, etc., that you won’t be able to get them anything this year because you are in deep financial stress. Wouldn’t it be a much better gift to yourself and your family that you are debt free. Plus, they might consider giving you moolah to help you pay your debts!
You’re having a “gift guilt.” After making homemade chocolate chip cookies as your Christmas presents, you suddenly get an angst attack and decide they are not suitable to give away at all. Or you decide to upgrade your Mom’s gift to something more expensive. Or your grumpy boss or an office enemy gives an unexpected present, and you feel obliged to reciprocate. Such situations, among others, could put you on the spot and lead you to spend more than what you originally budgeted.
The key here is to stick to your budget/plan. So you gave away some cheap holiday treats. So what? It’s the thought that really counts. No kidding! Stop beating yourself out and be proud of what you gave. If your husband/wife gave you that Samsung widescreen monitor that you’ve been drooling, and you gave him/her just a small Hallmark card, then just write some little note of appreciation for their generosity. That’ll surely warm them up!
A husband's weblog of thoughts, observations, interests, opinions, and adventures. For comments, reactions, suggestions, and donations, you can contact me at thehusbandspeaks@gmail.com.
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