The last 3 months of the year tend to be hard on bank accounts. For Halloween, we might buy costumes and candy as well as some decorations for the house. For Thanksgiving, we might travel or buy groceries, including the turkey. For Christmas, we might travel some more, get more groceries, and buy presents for our family, friends, the Secret Santa at work, or a gift exchange. Plus, don’t forget the Christmas decorations!

While this time of year can be difficult on our budgets, we can keep to a spending plan that has some flexibility built into it so we stay within an amount we can afford. Unfortunately, so many spend money with no control, with no limitations, and everything seems unplanned. As a result, they may overspend because they feel like they have to in order to enjoy the holidays. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way!

In this episode, Gary and Christy talk about ways we can overspend our money and how we can avoid overspending during the holidays.

Resources

• Bountiful episode about what to do with unexpected income: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls1e13/
• https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/duh-7-obvious-money-saving-tips-people-often-forget/?all
  • Buy used (plan ahead)
  • Beware energy consumption (utilities, gasoline)
  • Skip the treat sometimes – a treat that happens every day is no longer a treat – it’s overhead
  • Save the raise & avoid lifestyle creep
• https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/this-is-how-much-americans-spend-on-their-favorite-holidays/?all