Helpful hacks ease holiday finance stress
By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Holiday spending can often bring stress
- Tips to avoid financial stress include spending limits and budgeting plans
- Hendrix: “Oftentimes our best holiday memories are not about the gifts.”
(420 words)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Costly gifts can add unwelcomed stress to the holidays but following some simple tips and tricks can help you focus on family, not finances, this Christmas.
Laura Hendrix, associate professor of family and consumer science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has some advice for families Christmas shopping on a budget.
Be ahead of the game
Procrastinating your gift shopping often leads to buying over priced items. Knowing what you want to buy ahead of time means you have a chance to wait for sales to hit.
“For several years, I purchased gifts for about 20 people,” Hendrix said. “I tried to have gift ideas in mind and kept an eye out for bargains all year long.”
Stocking up on some versatile gifts can also be a helpful way to save money as well as time.
“My best strategy has been to buy several of the same items when I found an amazing sale price – a trendy accessory, cashmere gloves, a fun kitchen gadget, thick wool socks,” Hendrix said. “I often found items 50-75 percent off.”
“Buying several items at once saved time, too,” Hendrix said. “Part of the challenge with a long list may be the time needed to shop for gifts. I was a working mom and holiday season was often packed with school programs and holiday events in addition to our regularly busy schedule. Time savers can be just as important as money savers.”
Be wary of overspending
Spending beyond one's means is a common theme during the holidays, but building and following a plan can help keep us in check when shopping. Plan ahead for next year by setting money aside every month. Consider starting a holiday savings account.
“The best way to maintain control of finances is to have a spending plan. Know monthly income and expenses and plan accordingly,” she said. “Estimate expenses and set aside a specified amount every month.”
Remember that Christmas comes once a year, but your income stays the same year-round.
“In financial planning, we talk about fixed, variable and periodic expenses,” Hendrix said. “Holidays are a periodic expense – they don’t happen every month.”
“Make a list, set a spending limit, comparison shop for big ticket items and avoid window shopping and impulse buys,” she said. “If you are concerned about overspending, consider carrying cash – it’s easier to overspend with plastic.”
Don’t forget thing important things
“Oftentimes our best holiday memories are not about the gits,” Hendrix said. “Make a special effort to build traditions and rituals. Decorate the tree together, watch your favorite holiday movies together, go to community events or make and decorate cookies.”
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
For more information on finances and budgeting, visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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