Inflation and the costs of items seems to be on everyone’s minds lately. Stress levels are high
due to the impact that inflation has on groceries, fuel, heating costs and credit card interest rates. This
depressing news is making people feel that they have little control of their finances.
As we enter the holiday shopping season, it is easy to get “caught up” in the excitement of
buying gifts for our loved ones. However, once the holidays are over and the January bills arrive, we may
find that we are in deep financial trouble. The pain outweighs the pleasure and steals the joy.
There are strategies that you can use now that will help you survive the upcoming holiday
season without debt and without feeling like Scrooge.
Holiday Tip 1- If it is necessary to cut back on spending this year, communicate that with your family. It
doesn’t mean the holidays have to change dramatically. Families should discuss what is important to
them this season and be willing to make changes if necessary.
Holiday Tip 2- Set a holiday budget and keep track of what you spend, including all expenditures, not just
the cost of gifts. Figure costs of food, entertainment, decorations, travel expenses, holiday cards and
postage as well as the costs of new clothes for the season. If possible, look at how much you spent last
year to help set your budget.
Holiday Tip 3- Set spending limits for each person on your list as well as for the other items in your
holiday plan. Write your limit on an envelope and keep it handy. When you make a purchase, subtract
the amount from the limit and place the receipt in the envelope.
Holiday Tip 4- Decide how you are going to pay for holiday spending. If you plan to use only cash, leave
your credit cards at home when shopping. If doing on-line shopping, stick to one credit card.
An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, Extension – Clark County provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.
If you need an interpreter, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, activity, or service, please contact the program coordinator at
715-743-5121 as soon as possible (10 days is reasonable) preceding the scheduled event so that proper arrangements can be made in a timely fashion.
Extension – Clark County
517 Court Street, Room 104
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: 715-743-5121
Fax: 715-743-5129
Dial 711 for Wisconsin Relay
https://clark.extension.wisc.edu/
Holiday Tip 5- Avoid impulse shopping. Start shopping far enough in advance that you will not be
pressured to buy the first item you see in a store or on-line. This allows you to compare similar items
and take advantage of sales. To avoid impulse on-line purchases, place the item in the shopping cart
and wait 24 hours to decide if you really need it.
Holiday Tip 6- Talk with family and friends about drawing names for a gift exchange, setting dollar limits
on gifts or not exchange among adults. Make gifts by hand or give gift certificates promising your time
or talents. Offer gifts for such things as babysitting, car washing or a particular talent, such as
photography. Give family keepsakes or pictures as gifts to create memories as well.
Holiday Tip 7- If entertaining family and friends consumes a large part of your holiday budget, consider
pitch-in dinners instead of shouldering all the work and expense yourself. You could also invite people
for dessert and coffee or a small luncheon, brunch or breakfast.
Holiday Tip 8- It is never too early to start planning for next year. Think ahead and take advantage of
after-holiday sales. Good budgeting should take place all year long, not just the holidays.
The holiday season is an exciting time for everyone. With a bit of planning, your 2022 holiday spending
does not need to make you feel like Scrooge. It’s a time to be with loved ones and enjoy the holiday
celebrations. Ba humbug to letting debt create stress and steal the joy.
For more information of debt relief and financial classes, please contact Nancy Vance, Family Living
Educator, Clark County Extension at nancy.vance@wisc.edu or 715-743-5121.
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