This is the first day in the 7 Ways to Pile Up Christmas Money Series.
Today let’s talk about something I mention often, because it is my number one tip for saving money. Plan ahead.
[Tweet “The number one way to save #money in almost any situation is to plan ahead. Here’s how.”]
Today’s assignment is pretty straightforward. Consider your past gift giving. You need to know:
Who to Buy For
On your people to buy for list, start with the obvious and go from there.
- Your closest loved ones.
- Any other family or friends that spring to mind as people who you’d like to give a gift to.
- Teachers/school staff
- Coworkers/bosses
- Your children’s closest friends
Ok to leave off:
- Gifts you only give out of obligation
Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading Boundaries, but I no longer feel that it’s important to keep gifts around “just in case” you forgot someone. We shouldn’t buy gifts out of obligation. If your budget is tight and you have to limit giving to immediate family members, do it. Don’t let anyone force you to go into debt just to buy extra gifts.
[Tweet “The truth is, it’s no longer “giving” if you aren’t doing it from a place of love and generosity. “]
The truth is, it’s no longer giving if you aren’t doing it from a place of love and generosity. If you are only giving to someone to avoid guilt or anger, it’s time to re-evaluate the relationship you have with this person. If they truly love and appreciates you, they will sympathize with your circumstances.
How much will you spend for each person?
You don’t need an exact number yet. But narrow down a price that you’d like to spend for each person. Or choose an overall budget to stay within.
List Events or Parties
Don’t forget extra events or parties you usually attend. Remember Secret Santa/Yankee Swap/White/etc. types of parties. If you’ll need to bring gifts, food, or other expenses, then be sure to budget for it.
Homework for today:
Write out your list (or create a spreadsheet…whatever you prefer) of people or events that you will need a gift for. Evaluate each name or event on the list to make sure it is someone or something you truly value.
Erase any names or events that bring up an overwhelming sense of obligation or dread. You want to truly give in every meaning of the word this year.
How do you see gift giving? Is it ok to leave people off of your gift giving list?
Way 2 is ways to get discounted and even free Gift Cards.
Or for links to the entire series, click here.
I like this idea – no obligation gifts. Though, if I were to follow it 100%, I would be giving very few gifts this year! While I would like to think it were possible to just skip parts of my family for gifts (as I would like to do, as we aren’t close – don’t tell them that, though!) it’s just not quite possible. Instead, I try and do something thoughtful, but I don’t dwell on it much. It may sound harsh to suggest, but sometimes that is the easiest way to keep the peace!
I normally start my gift planning with a list of people, a general idea, and a basic idea of how much I would want to spend – or in this year’s case, things I’m willing to make. So far, it’s going well. I also add a list of things to bake, though, as everyone loves fresh baked goods for gifts! 😉
I think you have to be careful with family! A small gift can save a relationship sometimes. But if you find yourself giving gift after gift out of obligation, it might be time to have a talk with those people and explain that you aren’t in a place where you can give gifts to every person in your life right now. You might find that some of them are actually relieved to have less stress in their season, too!
I liked this post a lot. I only buy gifts for my immediate family. Honestly, I couldn’t afford to do it any other way. However, I like this system. It helps with preparing to do the shopping. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom.
I think it’s great to know your limits and not let yourself go crazy because it’s Christmas. Thanks for visiting!
Hi Jamie,
I think you’re right about America the Strong, Conservative Ideas…, Jamie. I hope you get it soon. Do you know that your comments are listed as a no reply blogger when they come to my email? That means that I cannot respond directly to you by email. If you’d like to change that, you can find out how at this post.
http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2015/01/are-you-no-reply-blogger.html
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your posts in this series. I tweeted your tweetables.
Blessings,
Laura of harvest Lane Cottage
I looked at this and didn’t think it applied to me since I’m not on blogger. But now I realize that Yes I am on blogger! Thanks so much for letting me know about this. I bet it’s been a problem for a long time and I didn’t realize it.
We do set amounts for my siblings and set gifts, for example, my brother and I each exchange a set dollar amount for a gift certificate for a restaurant of the givers choicr
Ooft, I am not even ready to start thinking about Christmas – which means it’s a good idea for me to start! Otherwise I’ll end up in the same panic I did last year, buying gifts the week of Christmas. Granted, I’d wound up with an unexpected hospital stay in December, but if I’d planned ahead it wouldn’t have been nearly so traumatic on the gift-buying/wrapping front.
I think I literally bought my mom’s gift on Christmas Eve. *shudder*
I definitely need to taper down my spending at Christmas! I love giving gifts and tend to completely overdo it…every single year. I am going to take your tips and see if I can remain within a budget much smaller than my normal “eh, I have no budget” mentality!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I thought, it’s too early to plan for Christmas. But then again, it is best to plan ahead and to start saving early. Good reminder. 🙂
I love the idea of this series, Jamie! Thanks for linking it up with us over at #FridayFrivolity!