Ways to Curb Holiday Spending

Although the winter holidays aren't here yet, now is a great time to prepare financially for them. For many people, this means starting with a plan, creating a budget and sticking to it. Here are a few ways you might accomplish this.

Be Accountable

Set a holiday budget. Create a list of items you intend to buy with expected prices, and match the total cost to your budget. Hold yourself accountable. If it's not on the list, don't buy it. Try this exercise weekly to keep your spending goals front and center.

Be Thrifty

You can find coupons for just about anything online, in print and through apps. Many stores also offer cash and discount rewards, but beware of the many that won't honor multiple promotions. Also, don't buy a sale item if it wasn't on your original list, no matter how low prices go. No discount is more than the 100% you save by not buying an item.

Be Card-Smart

One of the easiest ways to not overspend during the holidays is to leave your credit cards at home. It's hard to exceed your budget when you only have cash. If you do use a card, use those with the best cash-back offers for additional savings, and pay your cards off in full each month.

Be Money-Smart

If the thought is what counts, consider baking cookies and gifting them in a nice tin during the holidays. Have to give multiple gifts at work? Re-gift unused gifts you received in the past (but remember who gave you what the year before).