It never fails, half way through January, my Dad always presents his ‘fact’ that the third Monday in January is statistically the most depressing day of the year. Why? Being a Monday doesn't help things. It may be that it’s in the dead of winter, days are short and cold. It may be that the holiday season is over and there is no longer a festive spirit in the air. It also may be around that time people are opening their bills from December…holiday season.
Between Christmas presents, Christmas lights, Christmas dinners & desserts, and Christmas traveling, the bills really do add up. After the activities of December, January becomes one of the biggest comedowns in human history.
There is nothing that we can do about that fact that it’s a Monday, after Christmas, and in the dead of winter. But what about your bills?
Here are 6 tips to start saving for Christmas now so that January bills don’t give you the 'Monday Blues'!
1) Create a Budget
It is easy to think only about saving for Christmas presents. But Christmas presents are usually not the only item to be added to the credit card.
- Are you traveling to see family this December or helping a family member come see you?
- Are you planning to put up Christmas lights this year?
- Are you cooking the Christmas dinner? For how many people?
- Want to donate to a Charity?
All these things are usually not in your average monthly budget and will add up over time. Before creating a budget for Christmas presents, make sure you factor in other holiday bills as well.
2) Look for Sales Now
Can you be looking for deals on Christmas presents now? It may require you to create your Christmas shopping list early and to find a really good hiding place that the kids won’t find for a couple months, but saving now will help you save later. Also, that item will not be on your January, ‘Blue Monday’, bill.
3) Keep Track of Your Current Budget
Keep a close eye on your monthly budgeted categories. If there is a category that comes in under budget for the month, say the utilities or grocery budget, use the remaining money budgeted to put toward your Christmas budget.
4) Adjust Your Summer Budget
For families with children, your budget usually increases in the entertainment department over the summer when they are not in school. When school starts, the entertainment budget usually goes down. Consider shifting some of your entertainment budget to your Christmas budget for the next few months.
5) Have a DIY Christmas
Pinterest and social media are your friends. Can you create special and meaningful presents without having to succumb to current fads that will break the bank? Remember, DIY is trendy too!
6) Create a Gift Exchange
Overwhelmed with the amount of presents that you have to buy for family/friends/coworkers etc.? You’re probably not alone. Bring up the idea of creating a gift exchange for your family/friends/coworkers so that you don’t have to break the bank to buy all the presents for all the people in the world.
Want more tips from a Dave Ramsey Local Endorsed Provider, Contact Lori Granberg or Kerry Wyatt.
For Dave Ramsey fans:
Dave Ramsey’s Smart Money Tour is stopping in Colorado Springs on November 10th.
When: November 10th @ 6:30pm
Where: New Life Church (North)
11025 Voyager Pkwy.
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Visit Here For Details
