Community Corner
Dont Overspend this Holiday Season — Make a Budget and Stick to It
Whether you are gearing up to hit the stores on Black Friday, staying close to home for Small Business Saturday or shopping online on Cyber Monday, there is one thing you should do first — make a holiday budget.
According to the Better Business Bureau, the average American overspends during the holidays.
Keep your holiday spending in check by making a budget — the BBB provide a Holiday Planner Calculator for your convenience.
The BBB also offers these tips for staying on budget.
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- Cut down on gift-giving — For work gatherings, have everyone draw a name and give one gift. Set limits with family members and then get creative about finding something in your new, lower price range. Consider giving only to children. For the person who has everything, consider making a charitable donation in his or her name.
- Do it yourself — Homemade crafts and decorations can be fun to make and to give. Consider baking or canning your gifts this year. Give gift certificates for future services — babysitting, dog walking, leaf raking — or special events after the holidays — shows, ice skating.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — Use less of everything, because little things add up. Is it necessary to gift wrap that huge box? How about putting a “clue” under the tree instead and have the recipient find the present hidden someplace else in the house. Reuse gift bags — they are sturdy enough to be used five or six times. Make your own gift tags and decorations. Spray paint old candle holders gold or silver instead of buying new ones.
- Trim energy costs — Switch to LED lights and you’ll not only burn less energy, you’ll need fewer strands because the lights are brighter. Turn off your outside decorations when you go to bed. Turn down the thermostat when no one is home. Combine shopping trips and errands, and carpool to family gatherings.
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