The holiday season, usually a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, has become synonymous with stress. At the heart of that anxiety is money. Roughly 69 percent of people are stressed by a shortage of holiday funds, and 51 percent are anxious because of the pressure to give or get gifts, according to research from the American Psychological Association. Here are three tips to help you keep your holiday spending reasonable—and your stress levels lower:
- Be rigid with your budget. Having a plan for how much you intend to spend during the holidays is the easy part; resolving to not exceed that budget is the hard part! But staying within your spending limits can give you added peace of mind.
- Account for shipping costs. Virtual shopping is all the rage, but online holiday shoppers often fail to factor in shipping costs, which can drive up your total spend and blow up your budget. Also, remember that shipping costs skyrocket if you wait until the last minute and need an item fast, so shop early and give yourself plenty of time for gifts to arrive.
- Get creative. The act of giving someone a gift is a way of showing thoughtfulness, love, and affection.
Why not create a gift by using a special creative talent? A homemade gift is more likely to have sentimental value and bring joy to the person who receives it.
If you feel anxious about your financial situation, please reach out to me. Together we can develop a plan that helps you take control of your money and time. Click here to view my calendar and schedule a complimentary appointment that is convenient for you.