Holiday Spending
Ways to Keep a Handle on Finances

Not surprisingly, families with children anticipate the highest level of financial stress during the holidays. To help get a handle on holiday finances and keep stress in check, here are a few tips:

• Get organized. Set a budget, and stick to it. Personal finance software, can help you easily plan your finances in advance, and help you stay organized. These programs can help you create a holiday budget, and show you how much you have spent on items such as gifts, dining and entertainment.
• Plan your shopping in advance. Know what you want to buy, and for whom, before you leave for the mall. Avoid shopping for the sake of shopping, and resist any impulse purchases. Don't shop when you're tired, hungry, or feel pressured.
• Find ways to reduce monthly expenses. The more you're able to save on significant expenses like insurance and mortgage, the easier it will be to make the holidays affordable.
• Never borrow more than you can reasonably pay off. Giving gifts should be a gesture, not a sacrifice. Leave yourself some borrowing capacity for emergencies.
• Reduce your credit card interest rate. If you must carry a balance on your credit cards, find credit cards with lower interest rates.
• Get more for your money, online. The web can be a great place to find a special item without spending time on the road or in the parking lot and may offer free shipping right to your home!

Source: www.intuit.com