People are always flush with money when December greets them, only to find themselves burdened with debt after the holidays are over. According to information obtained from the Gallup poll, the average American spends around $830 just to buy gifts and food for Christmas.
Chuck Bentley, who is the CEO of the non-profit finance policy and educational organisation called Crowd, has come up with a list of things to do to help Christmas shoppers manage their finances wisely, and come out of the holidays without any debt:
1. Count your blessings
"Begin the season by making a 'Gifts from Jesus Jar' that you can put in a central place, maybe in the kitchen, where you and your family can put notes where you write about the things God has done for you," he suggests. By recording answered prayers and special blessings, not to mention remembering loved ones, people are reminded of the true reason behind Christmas Day—Jesus Christ.
2. Make a list
"Write down everyone you need to give a gift to, and make a plan for what you want to do for each. As you make your list, pray for each individual. It is helpful to ask the Lord what He would have you do for each person on your list," says Bentley.
He reminded people that money does not grow on trees, so it is important to be honest about finances and how much they are really able to spend. "Buying something isn't your only option, and going into debt won't make your season bright," he says.
3. Downsize for fun
Bentley believes that exchanging gifts with a large group is a fun way to just buy one gift instead of buying one for each person. "You've just helped every person in the group cut down on time and money spent, while still making a plan to enjoy the holiday together when the gifts are opened," he says.
4. Build a budget
Money does not grow on trees – not even Christmas trees – so be honest with yourself about what you have to spend, and consider the names on your list. Buying something isn't your only option, and going into debt won't make your season bright.
5. Shop your house
It is not always such a bad thing to re-gift something, and Bentley believes this can be done well if people are only mindful of how they do so.
6. Avoid too much glitter
Instead of just throwing away old decorations, Bentley suggests that they donate them to others or just recycle to "avoid costly additions to decorations."
7. Coupon clippers unite
"Before shopping, check for coupons, sale dates and rebates on things you have identified. Do your research to learn where the best prices are for what's on your list and buy purposefully," says Bentley. "Check out the products available from ministries, charities or non-profits that you support that can expand someone's horizons. Consider giving a gift that can change someone's life, through education, career counselling or even music lessons."
8. Craft Christmas treasures
Store-bought gifts aren't people's only option, since they can always make their own gifts. People who are skilled in cooking, sewing, or woodworking can come up with lots of inexpensive and personalised gifts that would surely brighten anyone's Christmas loot.
9. Avoid impulse spending
Bentley says retail stores are simply brilliant at creative displays near the checkout counter, which tempts people to stray from their lists. He encourages people to stick to their original plans, but if they spot something too good to be true, maybe they can "cross off something you've already planned for and replace it with your new treasure."
10. Out with the old
"Go through your closets, especially if you have young children, to really see what treasures you already own. Box up what you no longer use and donate your gently used items to a shelter or church," says Bentley. After people go through their unwanted clutter, it might make them realise that they do not really need any more new stuff.
11. Take note
It is rare for people to write notes and cards nowadays, and this is why receiving hand-written letters is a sure-fire way to brighten up someone's holiday. For added measure, Bentley suggests including scripture that reminds writers of their recipients, or a Psalm that they like to pray.
12. Make memories
Spending money on people is not the only way to show love and care to them, says Bentley, since creating memories with them is an even better gift. "Take time as a family to volunteer in the community, at your church or school or in your neighbourhood," he suggests. "Take time to show what love looks like and make sure that the people around you know why you care about them."
