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Surviving the Holidays Without Going Broke
By Cathy Shouse
Many of us look forward to the holidays all year. We strive to match the perfect image in our heads: the decorations are flawless; everyone gets along well; the gifts perfectly match our loved ones’ wish lists. But if we’re honest, there’s often a feeling in the gut that prompts you to ask: How will I afford the holiday of my dreams? Kathy Crager of Thrivent Financial offered some great advice: “Put money into a Christmas Club Account. Having a plan where you put away a little each month throughout the year helps eliminate financial stress. Christmas comes every year and you’re going to spend the money anyway. Also, remember to allow for extra holiday groceries and entertainment expenses.” Mary Hunt, founder, editor and publisher of the national newsletter Cheapskate Monthly (www.cheapskatemonthly.com), said we need to start with an attitude adjustment. In her book, Debt-proof Your Christmas, Hunt asks us to consider whether we are treating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other special holidays as a popularity contest or final examination, rather than a time of rest, reflection and joy. We ought not associate what we spend with love, and we must manage the funds we do have carefully.
8 Home Living | December 2020
