Boo! Did we sneak up on you? So will the holidays if you’re not watching your calendar. Don’t let the fact that it’s only October fool you. The holidays are just around the corner. There are less than 100 shopping days left until Christmas. Now is the perfect time to start planning your budget and finances for the holiday season. Here are a few tips to help ensure your loved ones’ season will be merry and bright.
Use a Budget
The best way to experience joy during and after the holiday season is to spend only what you can afford. Make a list of all of the things you plan to spend money on throughout the holidays. Then, develop a spending plan for these items and stay within your budget.
More Than Just Toys
Make sure your budget is big-picture. Don’t forget to include non-gift spending items such as the costs of travel and lodging to visit relatives, the costs of cooking special meals, and of course the holiday decor. If you improperly budget to deck the halls, your wallet might feel as though it got run over by a reindeer.
Stick to the Plan
Once you’ve made your list and budget, don’t stray from the path. Stay on track and under budget. If you feel there may be unexpected costs you won’t be able to predict, build some discretionary spending into your budget, and try to stay within the boundaries.
If you need assistance with your holiday budget, online account management tools from BancorpSouth Online Banking help you manage your expenses. Conveniently track your holiday spending by using your BancorpSouth credit or debit card for all your expenses.
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