Summer has come to a close, and believe it or not, now is the time to start thinking about the holiday season!
It's no secret that the holidays can bring their fair share of stress — especially financial stress. By getting an early start, you can flex your budget when the hustle and bustle of December finally arrives!
We've got three tips to help you prep for the holiday season the smart way:
#1: Create a Roadmap for Holiday SpendingSpending without a plan can be a major source of holiday stress. It can also lead to post-holiday debt. Instead, create a holiday budget that accounts for all your seasonal expenses, such as:
Spending without a plan can be a major source of holiday stress. It can also lead to post-holiday debt.
Instead, create a holiday budget that accounts for all your seasonal expenses, such as:
Next, decide how much you want to spend in each category. You can look back at last year's expenses to estimate what to expect.If one of your goals is to trim holiday spending this year, consider categories to cut back on. (Remember, not everyone needs a present — homemade gifts and cards are just as appreciated!)#2: Set Up a Holiday Savings AccountOpening a secondary holiday share account is a smart way to stay on track with your savings goals. This way, you can see exactly how much you have saved for holiday expenses and adjust as needed.Keeping your money separated will also help you resist the temptation to dip into your holiday funds for non-holiday expenses.#3: Save a Little at a TimeBuilding a consistent savings habit will help you prepare for the holidays and beyond. Most importantly, it's okay to start small and grow as you go.Make saving even easier by setting up automatic transfers to your holiday savings account with each paycheck. Before you know it, your budget will be ready for holiday festivities.
Next, decide how much you want to spend in each category. You can look back at last year's expenses to estimate what to expect.
If one of your goals is to trim holiday spending this year, consider categories to cut back on. (Remember, not everyone needs a present — homemade gifts and cards are just as appreciated!)
Opening a secondary holiday share account is a smart way to stay on track with your savings goals. This way, you can see exactly how much you have saved for holiday expenses and adjust as needed.
Keeping your money separated will also help you resist the temptation to dip into your holiday funds for non-holiday expenses.
Building a consistent savings habit will help you prepare for the holidays and beyond. Most importantly, it's okay to start small and grow as you go.
Make saving even easier by setting up automatic transfers to your holiday savings account with each paycheck. Before you know it, your budget will be ready for holiday festivities.
December is right around the corner — start planning now to make your holidays a little less stressful and a lot merrier! As your partner in your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey, Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) is here to help you every step of the way.
Find more tips, tools and resources, including helpful budgeting worksheets and financial calculators, by exploring our Education Center. Or, visit your nearest Member Center to talk with a Financial Coach about your holiday spending and saving goals.