Financial Planning for the Holidays

The holiday sales have already started. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have started streaming in, bombarding your inbox with lots of tempting offers.

How do you survive the holidays without going into debt? According to the National Retail Federation survey results, "Consumers say they will spend an average of $1,007.24 during the holiday season this year." And that's just on other people. How can you resist buying a little something for yourself?

The only way to survive is to budget. I know it's an ugly word, but as Santa says, "Make a list and check it twice." Have a plan for the holidays. Put together a budget for each person on your list and don't deviate from it. Add the prices of all the items on the list and ask yourself if it seems reasonable. The sooner you compile the list, the better off you will be; you'll have time to find the right gift at the right price.

And don't forget that an experience might be better than a gift. Coordinate a holiday dinner or drinks with your friends.

Good luck and don't forget to email me with questions.

Happy Holidays!

--Brian Walls, Walls Financial