The last six weeks of the year can be expensive. From
Thanksgiving through Christmas, we do nothing but cook and eat, visit and
travel, spend and shop. It can wreak havoc on an otherwise tight budget. Many
savvy spenders budget for Christmas over all twelve months of the year, not
just the last one.
Open a Christmas Club savings account. Although this
term isn’t really used anymore the concept still works. Set aside a small
amount each pay period into a separate savings account and withdraw it just in
time for a holiday gift shopping spree. If shopping all at once isn’t your idea
of fun, you can set up your budget to allow for the purchase of a gift a month
and just save each item until Christmas. In fact, this also gives you the
opportunity to take advantage of end of the season sales, essentially
stretching your budget a little farther. This may also allow you to buy things
you normally wouldn’t be able to afford. For example, you can scoop up warm winter
blankets and coats for just a few dollars each in February and March. Retailers
need to move seasonal merchandise out of the store to make room for spring
clothing. Save the blankets until fall and then make a welcome donation to your
local homeless shelter.
Storing extra gifts throughout the year usually
necessitates having a gift closet. It can be anywhere, just as long as it is
away from prying eyes. Be sure to include a stash of wrapping supplies as well.
Wrapping paper, ribbon, cards, tape and gift bags all go on sale for next to
nothing after Christmas and you can stock up for next year for cheap. Target
lets everyone know that they sell items at 50% off the day after a holiday, 75%
off after three days and 90% off after seven days. In fact, many shoppers are
making purchases for next year when they shop the day after Christmas.
If you normally have a busy party schedule, this
plan-ahead method can work, too. Use your gift closet to keep token, generic
gifts for all those people that stop by with a “you-shouldn’t-have” gift.
Candles, vases and fine stationary products all go on sale and all appeal to a
wide variety of guests. You can also stop by the Godiva Chocolatier on December
26th (early in the day) to purchase boxed chocolates with holiday
wrappings and decorations. They sell for half off and, if you are planning on
visiting anyone between Christmas and New Year’s, make a perfect hostess gift.
Planning for Christmas throughout the year is easy of
you have a flexible list and a sharp eye. Watch for sales and plan accordingly.
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