Healthy Choices
Financial Wellness
Regardless of what holidays we choose
to celebrate, the winter months can
be rough on budgets. Between travel
62 MyClearwater
expenses, dining
out, gifts, holiday
décor, food and
attire, we often
quickly spend
much more
money than we
may have planned. Americans spend more during
October, November and December than any
other time of the year, including back-to-school
shopping. Sales during the winter holidays make
up about 20 percent of all retail throughout the
year.
It’s especially important during this time of the year to
remember to prioritize financial wellness, which involves
setting and achieving both long- and short-term personal
financial goals. Start thinking about your finances early, so
that the holidays can be more enjoyable for you and your
family.
Here are some ideas to start keeping your budget in line
before and during this holiday season:
1. Set a budget. What’s important to you? For what are
you going to need/want money? Decide what you are
able to afford based on your priorities and values, and
then stick to it.
2. Make a list, and check it twice. This will help you stay
focused on what you need and avoid making impulse
purchases. Ordering things from your list online will
also be helpful, because you can compare prices more
easily and save time.
3. Try DIY gifts. Homemade gifts are wonderful both for
your budget and for adding that personal touch to let
family and friends know how much you care.
4. Give your time. Some of the best gifts are things you
can do for or with another person.
5. Host a potluck. If you want to get together with
friends, consider having a potluck instead of going out
for an expensive meal. This way, you don’t have to get
everyone to agree on a restaurant, and you’ll spend a lot
less.
6. Be careful with credit card purchases. Make sure you’re
able to pay off the credit card on time at the end of the
month. If you struggle with spending too much when
you use a credit card, try taking only a certain amount
of cash when you go shopping.
If you find yourself struggling every year to stick to your
holiday budget, start setting money aside in January 2019
for next year’s holidays. Figure out a rough estimate of what
you spend, and then put aside money every month.
October is Eat Better, Eat Together
Month
Sitting down for family dinners is not a regular event these
days. With so much going on, it is very important for family