Tis the Season to be Frugal

Well, it's November 12th. Officially the Holiday Season. And guess when Christmas is this year? You guessed it! December 25th. Are you ready? Is your bank account?

This is our first Christmas as parents which is SO exciting! This is also our first Christmas on one income (a teacher's income at that!) which is so NOT exciting! And you know what? I'm not even kind of worried about Christmas morning. We've been budgeting and making thoughtful gift selections along the way, and our family has adopted the following practice: Something you Want, Something you Need, Something to Wear, Something to Read. Yup. Four gifts. How will baby girl ever survive?!

I'll tell you how. In our home, stuff does not equate love. For a lot of people out there, it does. Instead, we are making new traditions, new memories and great experiences together.  Besides, if you had a look at my daughter's room, you would not think that there was any kind of toy shortage in there. She has PLENTY.

Does the four gift rule not work for you? That's totally fine. Are you still strung out about what to do for Christmas? Don't give up just yet. Here are some ways to survive Christmas without breaking the bank:

1. Start early. 

Okay...at this point this piece of sage wisdom doesn't actually help with it being November, but think ahead for next year. Christmas Day is the same each and every year. If you saved $40 a month starting in January (which comes to about $1.35 per day), you would have $480 to spend for Christmas gifts and experiences.

2. Create and stick to a budget. 

Make a deal with your spouse or whoever in your life that could help hold you accountable for your spending that you will NOT exceed a set amount of money per person in your home. 

3. Choose experiences over things. 

Chances are that your kiddos have plenty of toys. Some of which probably go unused. So, how about a family pass to the zoo or a museum? How about tickets to an event they would enjoy? How about a budget-friendly weekend getaway for the family? 

4. Ask adults to sit this one out.

Have a large family and many adults to buy for? Ask them to only focus on buying for the nieces and nephews. If your family pushes back here, offer to draw names to help lessen the impact on your wallet.

5. Find a way to give to others that doesn't actually cost money.

How can you do this, you ask? You can volunteer your time, your knowledge, and your expertise to people around you who need it. Do your parents need help cleaning out their gutters and you can help? Great! Can you offer to babysit free of charge for your nieces or nephews to give their parents a night out? AWESOME! Now that is a terrific gift!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope this will help someone along the way. Stay tuned for more!