How to Budget for Christmas Gifts Without Holiday Financial Stress

 

Budgeting for December

When you have four young children, the holidays are incredibly exciting. You want your kids to be happy and genuinely thrilled with the gifts they receive on Christmas morning.  Even now that my children are older, I still love seeing their excitement as they open their gifts. 

However, December wasn't always joyful for me. For many years, the holiday season brought financial stress, credit card balances, and anxiety. Everything changed when I learned how to budget for Christmas gifts year-round and plan ahead for holiday expenses. 

Create a Christmas Gift Budget for Each Child

One of the best ways to save money during the holidays is to set a clear budget and stick to it. In our family, we typically spend $300 per child on Christmas gifts. I know every family is different-- some spend more, some spend less--but this amount works well for our household and keeps our holiday spending under control. 

The key is choosing a number that fits your family budget and committing to it before shopping begins.

Plan Your Holiday Budget in January

No-Spend January: How I'm Saving Money After the Holidays

I'm always ready to move on after the holidays are over. I truly enjoyed the season, especially getting time to see my oldest child who lives on the other side of the state. While it's still hard when he leaves, I'm incredibly proud of the adult he's become and the life he's built for himself. Thankfully, we stay connected with frequent phone calls and catch-ups, which helps ease the transition back to everyday life.

Now that the holidays are behind us, January is here, and reality sets in.

With the next round of college tuition payments coming due for our middle children, it's officially time for No-Spend January in our household. For me, that means spending money only on needs, not wants and being intentional about every dollar. 

What is No-Spend January?

How to Change Your JetBlue Itinerary Using Facebook Messenger (Live Agent Guide)

Changing your flight doesn't have to mean long hold times or complicated phone menus. JetBlue allows passengers to change their itinerary by contacting customer service through Facebook Messenger, making it one of the fastest ways to reach a live agent. 

In this guide, you'll learn how to change your JetBlue flight via Facebook Messenger, what details you need, and tips to avoid extra fees. 

Why Use Facebook Messenger to Change a JetBlue Flight?

JetBlue's Facebook Messenger support is one of the easiest ways to reach a live JetBlue customer service agent without waiting on hold. 

Benefits include:

• Quick access to JetBlue live support
• No phone calls required 
• Written record of your itinerary change
• Assistance with fare difference and travel credits

Many travelers prefer Messenger because it's faster than calling JetBlue customer service.

What You Can Change Through JetBlue Facebook Messenger

How to Save Money on Groceries in 2026 (Simple, Proven Tips)

Groceries are one of the biggest monthly expenses for most households, and prices aren't going down anytime soon. The good news? Learning how to save money on groceries doesn't require extreme couponing or sacrificing the foods you love. 

With a few smart strategies, you can cut your grocery bill by 10-30% while still eating well. 

Why Groceries Are So Expensive Right Now

Rising food prices, inflation, and supply chain issues have made grocery shopping more expensive than ever. That's why people are searching for:

• how to save money on groceries

  

  BJ's App

  
  
• cheap grocery shopping tips
• how to lower grocery bills

The tips below focus on realistic, sustainable ways to save.

1. Plan Meals Before Grocery Shopping

Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries every month. 

Before you shop:

• Check your pantry, fridge and freezer to see what you already have.
• Plan 3-5 simple meals.
• Make a grocery list and stick to it. 

Meal planning helps you avoid impulse purchases and reduces food waste - two major causes of overspending. 

Need meal ideas?  Search for simple meal ideas on Pinterest.com. Your new favorite, easy to prepare meal is waiting for you to try out!

Turn That Minivan Into A Camping Van!

 After raising four children, I am left with a minivan that still runs great. (Thanks Toyota!) Being the frugal person that I am, I learned to repurpose my van to go on solo camping adventures!

Where to go camping in my minivan?

 State park campsites here in New York State with electricity generally cost 25-30 dollars per night. These parks have restroom and shower facilities to use. 

How did I decide to go solo camping?

Southwest Airlines: Is It Worth Paying For Early-Bird Check-In?

Southwest Airlines: Is It Worth Paying Extra For Early-Bird Check-In?  

View from a Southwest Airplane

  I love Southwest Airlines for their low fares and wide range of destinations in the United States, but I am not a fan of their seating plan. I have no doubt that there are many others that feel the same!  

What is Southwest Airlines boarding procedure?

Round Up Of Personal Finance Articles Wednesday, July 10, 2024

 I've taken a little break from collecting personal finance articles to read, and I'm back!  Here are my latest favorite finds:

From financialsamurai.com:  The Rise of Stealth Wealth: Ways To Stay Invisible From Society If You Have Money

From bitchesgetriches.com: The Dollar Bill Game: What You'd Do if Money Were No Object Says a Lot About You

Paddling on the 4th of July with the family.

From retirebeforedad.com:  The Problem With a "Forever Home" Mindset in Retirement

From apurplelife.com: Cheers To 6 Years Of A Purple Life!

From routetoretire.com: The Realities of Adventure: Are The Headaches Before And After Worth It?

Getting chased by hungry ducks while kayaking on the Allegheny River in PA last week!

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