The holidays haven’t arrived, but now’s the time to set a budget and stick to it. Here’s how.
Be Accountable
Set a holiday budget and list every item you plan to buy with its price — if it’s not on the list, don’t buy it. Review weekly to stay accountable.
Be Thrifty
Look for coupons online, in print, and through apps — but skip sale items not on your list. No discount beats the 100% you save by not buying at all.
Be Card-Smart
Leaving credit cards at home makes it hard to overspend when you only have cash. If you do use a card, pick one with strong cash-back rewards and pay it off in full monthly.
Be Money-Smart
If the thought is what counts, bake cookies and gift them in a nice tin, or re-gift items you received in the past — just remember who gave you what.