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How To Have A Debt Free Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner. Does the thought of Christmas
make you shake with fear? Have you started shopping yet? Are you still
paying off bills from last year? Here in the US, studies show that it
will take an average of 4 months to pay off debts incurred at
Christmas.
Christmas is a beloved time of year for most. Children look forward
to the many gifts they will be getting and parents enjoy (sometimes)
spending time with friends and relatives that they don’t see all that
often. But when it comes to gift giving, that’s where the trouble can
start.
Start off this shopping season by setting a budget and sticking with
it. One idea could be to only carry the money that you are willing to
spend on that particular person with you. Try to avoid using credit for
any purchase. (Most times it is easier said than done!)
Another important factor to consider might be to limit
expectations. Allow your child to write a list or a letter to Santa,
but then only get them a few special gifts. The real meaning of the
season is to give. Allow your children to make presents for loved ones
or take them shopping with you. Also you might want to set limits on
the amount of money that can be spent for each person. The less money,
the more creative you have to be ☺ which can be a lot of fun too. Or
you could try with extended families only buying for kids, not the
adults.
You also might want to go as a family to volunteer at a soup kitchen
or homeless shelter which will show you all just how fortunate you
are. As for next Christmas, you might want to start thinking of it
following this Christmas when everything is on sale. Also, buy
throughout the year, if you see something that would be great for
someone on your shopping list, why not buy it then and there?
My wish to you is that you will have a happy and healthy Christmas
and one that is not dominated by ‘things’, but by the true meanings of
Christmas, such as love, hope, courage, strength and joy.
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