With the right tools, saving money may not be too difficult this holiday season In the rush to give and plan the perfect holidays, a budget is an easy thing to stray away from in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. From elaborate meals, to travel expenses and a lengthy list of family friends needing presents, one might feel inclined to reach for the credit card to put off the expenses to a later date. However, there are ways to stop the piles of debt that are too easy to accumulate during the holidays. According to a Bankrate.com article, titled “14 ways to save money during the holidays,” there are a few tricks that can save quite a bit of money. The Article sought the advice of “Financial Security in Troubled Times” author Ric Edelman and his belief on how people should cut costs. One of his tips was to make a list of all the people on your present list and decided how much you want to spend on them. If there are not enough funds to cover everyone on the list, the article suggests deleting some names or lowering the amount you are willing to spend on someone. “Focus on the amount you’ll spend, not what you’ll buy,” said Edelman. Some other tips in the article include tracking the amount you spend on your credit card the same way you would track money coming out of a checking account. Additionally, the article quoted Rachel Ashwell, the author of “The Shabby Chic Gift of
Giving,” who claimed that, ultimately, a thoughtful gift of time, words and gestures can mean more to someone as opposed to a glitzy, expensive present. Another way to give gifts without breaking the bank is giving baked goods to friends and neighbors or offering to help babysit or walk the dog of a friend who has a busy lifestyle. Finally, another way to save some funds during the crazy, busy winter months is to make your gifts using products from local antique stores, thrift stores and even the Dollar Store. Using a social media website like Pinterest.com, eager crafters are able to search and find a plethora of gift ideas that could potentially save money. Ranging from jewelry holders, to cookies to homemade snow globes, a wealth of ideas are available for inexperienced and wellseasoned crafters. Overall, sticking to a strict budget may be difficult, but can help reduce the financial strain on stressed holiday shoppers.
Community Church
Ash St./Hwy. 139 to Spring Ridge (left) to Numa Rd.
Why not celebrate this special time of year with us?
Saturday - 6:30pm • Sunday - 9:00am & 10:45am
Christmas Eve Worship Services 4:00pm & 6:00pm 22
Home for the Holidays 2013