The approaching holiday season can bring opportunities for celebration and reconnecting with loved ones, but the financial demands and pressures can cause many consumers to turn to credit to cover seasonal costs, resulting in debt-stress that endures throughout the holidays and well into the new year.
Read on to learn eight holiday planning and spending tips from Sands & Associates’ team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees, Canada’s debt help experts, to help you avoid relying on credit this season.
Plan Your Spending – Affordable is the Best Strategy
- Set a Holiday Spending Budget: Planning ahead is a golden rule for virtually every aspect of the holidays, so be sure to give yourself enough time that you avoid last-minute (and often overpriced) purchases:
- Make a list and check it twice – before you shop for gifts take time to list what you’re getting for whom, and where you’ll shop.
- If you’re hosting meals or gatherings, sort out a menu and check flyers. Also be sure to have extra freezer space for your leftovers so you can make the most of your groceries.
- Double-check whether you already have incidentals such as wrapping paper, greeting cards and even canned goods before you shop.
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While it’s always a good idea to have a shopping plan and to stick to your budget, you can also move beyond the golden rule of holiday shopping with these smart spending strategies:
- Avoid Impulse Buys: Sometimes sticking to your plan is easier said than done – if you find your holiday budget is usually derailed with unplanned purchases, consider:
- Unsubscribing from email lists with too-tempting shopping offers.
- Using a grocery service that delivers so you can stay out of stores packed with seasonal wares and resist the urge to look at last-minute buys.
- Stepping back from online shopping carts before checking out – are those purchases still going to be what you want in another half an hour? After you’ve had a break, consider how you feel about the items you’re about to buy – if you can do without or aren’t solid on any of your purchases close the browser and walk away.
- Know the True Cost: No matter what your holiday budget is, it’s important to factor in the full cost of anything you’re purchasing and whether what you’re buying is truly worth it – after all, a $500 item you buy for $400 is still $400 spent – or more!
- Read all the fine print in any “buy now, pay later” deferred payment specials offered – you may find there are fees for using what is essentially a store’s credit.
- If you’re charging purchases to your credit card, remember that if you’re not able to pay the balance in full at the end of the month, you’ll be charged interest on those purchases.
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- Travel Smart: If you’re headed out of town, try to book everything as far ahead as possible and compare your options and rates. Consider cost-savings such as:
- Mid-week flights as they often have lower prices, or booking less expensive connecting flights, and take advantage of any student or senior discounts available.
- Driving yourself? See if you can carpool with other family or friends to split costs.
- Booking group accommodations if everyone is heading out of town together.
- If you’re hosting travellers don’t be afraid to delegate hosting duties or ask your guests to bring along provisions if it’s a lengthy stay. Besides taking a toll on your wallet, having house guests can create extra anxiety over getting things just right.
Gift Giving – Aim for Less Debt, More Cheer
Surprising someone in your life with a thoughtful gift doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Instead of breaking the bank doling out gifts, consider alternatives such as:
- Charitable Donations: Many charities offer the option to give a gift on behalf of another person, providing much-needed support to worthy causes both locally and globally. These types of gifts can be a thoughtful option for individuals in your life who may be hard to buy for, and for children this can be a great opportunity to demonstrate empathy and stimulate a conversation about helping someone who may be less fortunate.
- An added benefit for you the gift giver is that these gifts are also charitable donations that you can receive a tax credit for – win-win!
- Share Experiences Rather Than Purchases: Consider gifting an activity or organizing an outing rather than adding to collections of belongings this year – it may cost less to collectively organize a group or family outing than to individually buy for everyone on your list. A bonus benefit is that these types of gifts make memories that last longer than a trendy toy, and they don’t need any fancy packing to give! Some ideas to try out (and don’t forget to check places like Groupon):
- Learn a new skill with a class such as painting, crafting or cooking.
- Catch a live performance show, market or sports event.
- Book a local walking tour or excursion to be a tourist in your own city.
If you’re at the point where your budget doesn’t allow for outings or gifts, use the opportunity to try to do something completely different. Some of the most meaningful gifts may cost nothing at all, for example, you could:
- Take time to sit down and hand write a letter to a friend or family member. In our fast-paced society, your letter will stand out and show you’ve taken the time, and thought, to do something meaningful.
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- Start New Low (or No) Cost Traditions: If your holiday traditions come with a big price tag, consider revamping, so you can focus on feeling positive about the season’s festivities. Talk to other family members and get everyone to share some new ideas – you may find you’re not alone in wanting to celebrate in fresh (and budget-conscientious) ways. Here are some ideas to consider, keeping the emphasis on people instead of prices:
- Try a ‘no spend’ season where everyone contributes towards a meal without a gift exchange.
- If gift-giving is a must, try drawing names and play “Secret Santa”, swap re-gifts or cap gift budgets at a low number to see who can be the most creative with $20-30.
Don’t forget to look out for and check in with one another – the holidays can be a financial strain for many people, and often people who are struggling all year feel embarrassed or worried about letting someone down.
If you really can’t avoid using credit for your holiday spending, then implement a realistic plan to have it all repaid no later than the end of February. The longer you carry a balance, the greater the interest charges you’ll pay which could make even a ‘great deal’ something you regret later. No one wants to be stuck paying for the holidays until June!
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New Year – Financial Fresh Start
- Plan Beyond the Holiday Season: Do yourself a favour and set aside some time over the holidays to assess your financial situation as the year ends.
- Have you kept to your monthly budget throughout the year? What annual costs should you consider for the upcoming new year?
- Are you on track to meet your financial goals such as savings and/or paying down your debt?
If you forecast it will take more than five years to pay off your non-mortgage debt, take time to talk with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee before the end of the year. There are options such as a Consumer Proposal that can help you get your debt paid off sooner, saving you considerable costs.
- Be sure you get advice from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee directly. There is no cost to get information about your options and resources.
Sands & Associates is BC’s largest firm of Licensed Insolvency Trustees focused exclusively on debt help services for consumers and in just 30 minutes we can help you better understand your financial situation and options, and get you a plan to be debt-free.
Talk with a non-judgmental debt expert today, your debt-free future could be closer than you think – book your free, confidential consultation now.