Avoid Seasonal Splurging A Financial Literacy Presentation by Member Name, CPA

Review Last Year’s Expenses Examine how much you spent on gifts, decorations, entertaining, special clothing and travel Considering last year’s costs will help you prepare for this year

Prepare an Overall Holiday Budget Determine a realistic budget based on examination of past year’s expenses Think of creative ways to reduce costs, such as drawing names or home making gifts Stick to the budget

Make a Gift List, Check it Twice Make a list of people you need gifts for Write down two or three gift options for each person Take the list whenever you go shopping Check the list often and stay within your limits

Avoid Using Credit Cards Unless it’s a budgeted big-ticket item, use cash or debit cards Carefully consider each purchase and how it fits into your overall budget If you must buy on credit, pay off the balance as quickly as possible, even if it means making post-holiday adjustments to your everyday budget

Consider Christmas Accounts for Next Year Each week, deposit a set amount of money in a separate account When the holiday comes, withdraw what you need Track spending this year to get an idea of how much you’ll need to save for next year

Any Questions?