Holiday Spending
Holiday Spending
The National Retail
Federation says that American moms spend an average of between $700 to $1,600
during the winter holiday season.
And most of us spend much more than we originally estimated we would! It’s a good idea to sit down and come
up with a budget so we can plan ahead and make smarter decisions when it comes
to shopping. Here are some tips:
-Include travel in your
budget – tickets, gas, accommodations, etc.
-Give yourself a cushion in
your budget – something is bound to come up that you didn’t expect.
-Start saving at the
beginning of the year to meet your holiday budget. Open a separate account and set that money aside.
-Stick to your budget! If you have to revise, revise the gift
list, not the budget total.
-Keep your list with you
when you shop, and record the actual cost next to the budgeted amount, that way
you can stay on top of things.
-Whenever possible, pay by
cash, check, or debit card so you don’t have bills to pay after the holidays.
-Use this year’s budget for
next year.
-Include holiday party
expenses in your budget, hostess gifts, secret santas, etc.
HOLIDAYS SAVINGS
GOAL: SAVE $_______ by _________
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DEPOSIT DATE
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DEPOSIT AMOUNT
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$
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HOLIDAY BUDGET
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HOLIDAY
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BUDGETED COST
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ACTUAL COST
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Gifts
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$
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$
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Stocking stuffers
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Gift wrap supplies
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Shipping
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Decorations
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Family photos
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Holiday cards
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Thank you cards
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Postage
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Hostess gifts
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Other gifts (teachers,
co-workers, babysitter)
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Dining out
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Entertaining at home
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Clothes
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Personal care (hair,
nails)
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HOLIDAY GIFT LIST
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RECIPIENT
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GIFT IDEAS
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AMOUNT BUDGETED
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AMOUNT SPENT
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$
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$
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