3 Holiday Budgeting Tips You Haven’t Seen Before

Tis the season for some well-deserved indulgence. You crushed it all year and now it’s time to reward yourself. December was made for too much food, too much drink, and too much spending.

After all that indulgence, you may start the new year with a few extra pounds and a hangover (actual and financial). 

You’re on your own for the weight gain and eggnog hangover.

But for preventing a financial hangover, here are 3 tips you haven’t seen before.

1. Pay your credit card weekly.

Either you’re anxious you’re spending too much making every purchase riddled with stress and guilt, or worse – you’re not worried at all – which always leads to the worst financial hangovers.

By simply paying your credit card weekly, you’ll know how you’re tracking.

Either you’ll eliminate your anxiety, or you’ll keep yourself in check. It’s a win-win.

2. Shop like you eat.

Seeing all the food on your plate gives your brain the psychological satiety that it needs to be “done” when the meal is over.

But when you graze… oh boy… there’s no telling how many pigs-in-a-blanket you’ll eat (they’re just SO good!).

Similarly, if you “shop by grazing” for the next 3 weeks, you’ll overspend and yet never feel full.

Alternatively, designating a certain time each week for your holiday shopping (like only Sunday afternoons), will not just keep your spending in check, but you’ll feel as full as Santa’s belly. Ho ho ho!

3. Take January off.

Don’t plan any trips or big purchases.

Eat dinner at home and brown-bag your lunch.

Stay local (Tahoe will be there in February). Committing to a cheap January is your financial Alka Seltzer after a too-much-fun December.

Enjoy the holidays! You earned it!