Debt Free Christmas

It is very easy to get overwhelmed and spend more than you can afford at Christmas time. In fact, on average Americans overspend by $1000 every year at Christmas time. In some cases, they haven’t even paid off the debt from the previous Christmas when the next Christmas rolls around. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank and here are a few tips I have for a debt-free Christmas.


Set a Budget for Each Person

Before you get started on your Christmas present shopping set a budget for every member of your family that you’re shopping for and stick by it! Make a list of every person you’re buying for and how close they are to you. It’s ok not to buy presents for people! Focus on the people who live in your house first. When it comes to shopping for kids don’t feel like you have to get them a dozen different things. A few slightly more expensive gifts are better than a ton of cheap ones. 


Plan Meals in Advance

Make a list of everything you need for Christmas dinner in advance and carry it with you everywhere. Then when you go for your regular grocery shopping check to see if any of those items are on sale. If they are, stock up! That way when it comes to doing Christmas dinner shopping you only have to get items that are fresh and won’t store. You can also do this for all your food for the month of December that way you’re spending less of your paycheck on food and can focus on other things.


Start Shopping Early

This idea isn’t all that different from the one I previously mentioned, only this time we’re talking about everything else. I know some people who are finished with their Christmas present shopping by August! Now, I’m not saying you have to be that bold, but if you know there’s something you want to get someone get it early! This will help spread out the cost of Christmas and make it hurt a little less.


Check for Present Cost Online

Before you head out into the world to do your Christmas present shopping check the prices of the things you want to get online. That way you know if you’re getting a good deal or not while you’re out. If whatever you’re after is more expensive in a store then get it online!


Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Christmas is that time of year when everyone is asking for something. It might be the bell ringer outside the grocery store or it might be your best friend wanting to go out for drinks for the third week in a row. The important thing to remember is that you can say no! You can even say that it just isn’t in your budget. If they aren’t understanding well…you don’t want them around anyway.


Focus on Cheap or Free Activities

When it comes time to finding fun festive activities try to keep an eye out for anything that is free or incredibly cheap. A visit to Santa shouldn’t cost you a dime! Finding the neighborhood in your town with impressive Christmas light displays is a great date and fun for kids too, plus it costs almost nothing. 


Shop the End of Season Sales for Next Year

If you get to the end of Christmas and you know you’re going to need to buy new wrapping paper next year or any other Christmas specific item grab them when the sales start after Christmas is over. You’ll save yourself money next year and you’ll get them discounted, win all around!

Location: Oasis Center 1250 Majesty Dr, Dallas, TX 75247, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kingdom Focus Coaching

Image
  "... and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."  - 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV Nineteen years ago,  Trog Trogdon  moved across the country, from North Carolina to McKinney, Texas, for a job opportunity. He wanted to be successful, wealthy, and make a name for himself, BUT God had different plans. God used this relocation to move more than his stuff. He used it to move his heart toward the things of Christ in a radical way. It was in Texas that Trog fell in love with Jesus all over again. It was here that he found a great church and was discipled by a dear friend, philanthropist, and pastor. It was here where he learned more about evangelism and ultimately where God broke his heart for the poor. And, he says he is forever grateful! Put simply, Trog found his life’s work and passion which is threefold…to share the gospel, to make disciples, and to serve the suffering. Big Announcement! Afte...
Read more

Nine (9) Simply Ways to Inspire People to Be Great

Image
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  – Maya Angelou This quote by Maya Angelou is a simple reminder of the impact we can make in someone’s life through an act of kindness, a positive inspiration, or something as small as how I respond to a text message.  I used to think that I was weak because I would not respond to situations or people in a way that would hurt them. But now I realize that it’s ok. I want to be a peacemaker, or peacekeeper when at all possible. And by doing that, I believe that I am bringing out the best in others.  Inspiration is powerful, and can significantly change a person’s life.  And honestly, everyone deserves a second chance. Greatness is different for everyone, and you determine what makes you great or what it means for you to be great.  Inspiring someone to greatness is both good for the one being inspired, and the one providing ins...
Read more

My Credit Card was Stolen from My Apartment Mailbox

Image
Has this ever happen to you?    You've been waiting for your credit card to arrive in the mailbox and it seems to be taking too long, chances are you're right.  Recently one of our supporters shared a story about identity theft which include the theft of a new Mastercard from the apartment building mailboxes.  Theft is only one of the many reasons some individuals get caught up in the criminal justice system.  It may be that the thief was following shallow ambitions or really simply not using their talents in a legal manner.  A great artist might fall on hard times and choose to counterfeit or they could find a job cleaning public restrooms.  The decisions we make belong to the decision-maker and when you've made a bad decision, it can sometimes take months or even years to get back on track.   The Oasis Center supporter mentioned earlier was taken by surprise when an email was received saying "Thank you for activating your new credit card."...
Read more