The lovely ladies over at momdot have asked the day three question of:
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Do you budget for the holidays? Do you always stick to your budget? Share with us any budgeting tips you may have!
(Cue Sesame Street Music)
This wonderful question was brought to you by: Appledonia, Hippos Toes, Kushies and the number 4. Sorry could not resist that last one!
Budget? What is that? Is that some new curse word today's kids have come up with?
No seriously.
Budgeting has never been my strong point. I do not even have a household budget! But I am working on correcting that. I usually try and keep a running list of how much money we have and what we need to pay out. I handle all the bills in the house out of my account. My husband does not even have one! He just hands the money right over to me every Friday.
I know I am AWFUL!
So no we do not have a budget per se for Christmas this year. We just know there is not a lot to spend, so we are trying to find other ways of giving gifts.
I have stocked up on Bath and Body Works at sales and using coupons. I have begun making jewelry thanks to a friend showing me how. I am searching the scrap fabric for things I can use to make nice inexpensive gifts, so no one feels left out, but we do not go into debt giving to everyone we want to give too. And of course, staying here for the holidays this year instead of going home. 
That is just some of the stuff I have gotten.
I guess you could say I have a Christmas Game Plan, not so much a budget. I know what I have to work with and I am doing things to make sure it works.
And yes, for the first time ever, I have already started my Christmas shopping. I am NOTORIOUS for waiting until the last minute. But not this year! I am now supper dupper awesome plan ahead wife! WOO HOO!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Christmas of Dreams Day 3: Christmas Budgets
Posted by Natalie at 9:38 AM
Labels: Christmas Budget, Christmas of Dreams, Christmas Shopping
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17 comments:
You sound like you've got quite the game plan! I'm not nearly as prepared.
Really? A weather radio? You have to wonder what men think of when they pick out gifts.
I don't budget, My DH does all of that. I buy the gifts though. If I didn't, his parents wouldn't even get a card. He just doesn't think. Here's My Day 3! Come sign Mr. Linky!
seems like you are heading in the right direction. We share the same thought... not going into debt for the holidays... if you do you spend the next year trying to get out of it
There have been 3 times this year that I have wished that I had a weather radio! Not that I would want one for my birthday but hey, I'm trying here!
I need to get my butt in gear making stuff! You're smart to begin early.
Ooh! I want to drop my hubby off at the mall with a list and high tail it out of there! LOL!
Check out the new Family FotoFun Friday feature on my blog~ http://dianas-daily-ramblings.blogspot.com/
You are ready!!! So smart to pick things up throughout the year
Congrats on getting a head start! I'm up to my eye teeth - what are eye teeth anyway? - in yarn knitting scarves and shawls!
Sounds like you've made a good start, kudos to you!!!
Sounds like a plan!
I am SO LUCKY that the credit union for teachers offers a Christmas Club. I set it up years ago and a little money from each check goes in there. Every year when I got a (tiny) raise, I raised the amount and now it's pretty substantial. I don't even use it all at Christmas time, usually. Sometime in November, I transfer most of it (and more later if I need it) to my personal checking account (vs. our joint one for bills, etc.) and just use my debit card to pay for all the gifts. I like to find things on sale and usually buy a lot at Kohl's when they offer their deals, like get a $10 credit for every $50 spent. I'm a pretty creative gift-giver and love shopping, so it's all easy for me. My grandson is 3 this year, so we are all especially excited about Christmas this year!!
sounds great !!!!!!
a weather radio? no, no, no, no, no!
Your answers the same as mine. Good idea with the Bath and Body Works. I have hundreds of unopened little free bottles in the bathroom. What a good way to put them to use.
LOL I don't know the word budget either usually.
I made my husband sit down with me last month, we made a budget and a plan for all our debt and Christmas without debt and we included future trips to see family
Hope we can stick to it. I want to spend next Christmas with my family
mom dot looks like such fun !! :P Another blog to read !!!! I may have to do the days of xxmas thingee. I had a blast with you all over sat for the bottlecap class. take pics of the ones you do !! Will love to see them on your blog
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