Don’t Go Broke for the Holidays 4 Steps to Create a Christmas Budget
SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET. 1. Look at last-minute sales: Tons of retailers will offer holiday sales as we get closer to Christmas. So be on the lookout for stores that mark prices down as St. Nick prepares for his journey. 2. Recycle gift cards: If you received a gift card to a store that you never used (or forgot about), re-gift it this year! Just be sure the card hasn’t expired. 3. Go thrifting: You can find great gifts at your local thrift store. Depending on where you go, you can get clothes, books, silverware, furniture, gadgets, and more. Christmas shopping can be stressful, but by creating a budget and sticking to it, you will survive this holiday season like a pro.
Before you head to the mall or add items to your shopping cart online, you want to ensure you have enough money to cover your monthly expenses and buy your loved ones Christmas presents. You may feel overwhelmed about your finances and how you will manage to buy gifts. But if you create a Christmas budget, you won’t break the bank!
housing, utilities, groceries, and internet. This also includes cars, credit cards, insurance, and other monthly payments.
Be sure to add any streaming or subscription fees to this total.
3. Find out how much money you have left over: Subtract your total expenses from your monthly income. The number you get will be the money you have left over for discretionary spending, such as dinner out, a concert, or Christmas presents. But make sure you leave some wiggle room for any unexpected costs. 4. Plan out how much you want to spend on Christmas gifts: Write out whom you want to get gifts for and how much you want to spend. Track your spending as you go to ensure you don’t overspend or forget to buy someone a gift.
HOW DO YOU CREATE A CHRISTMAS BUDGET?
1. Write down your monthly income: The first thing you want to do is tally up how much money you bring in each month. This lets you know how much money you have before you take out your expenses. 2. Write down your monthly expenses: You want to tally up the total amount of regular monthly costs, including
BRIGHT LIGHTS MUST-SEE CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
You can go at your own pace through the relaxing drive, meaning it usually takes 15–30 minutes to complete. For those looking for a more up-close and personal experience, there is also a Bike Night as well as special packages like the Igloo Experience or Holiday Outpost. Nights of Lights will continue through Dec. 24, so don’t miss out. You can purchase your family’s tickets and select your visit time at WRALNightsOfLights.com . A LONGWOOD CHRISTMAS (KENNETT SQUARE, PENNSYLVANIA) Kennett Square is a seven-hour drive from Raleigh, so we know most of you won’t make the trip. But for those who do, Austin assures us the destination is worth the journey. “We had people from out of state fly in to see it every year,” he says of A Longwood Christmas,
and a quick look at Longwood Gardens’ website makes clear why.
After learning that Austin loves Christmas decorations, we couldn’t think of anyone better to ask for Christmas light display recommendations. He reminded us of one local favorite and introduced us to one of his hometown traditions. So, whether you’re looking for local fun or a holiday- themed road trip, we’ve got you covered. WRAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS (RALEIGH) Nights of Lights by WRAL is quickly becoming a holiday staple in Raleigh. Located at Dorothea Dix Park, the drive- thru display is opening for its third year in 2022. The attraction features 1.3 miles of lights and five distinctly themed areas for your family to enjoy as you slowly cruise through the park.
Longwood Gardens contains more than a dozen themed gardens spread across 400 acres, and all are festively decorated during the Christmas season. Half a million lights dot the various landscapes, illuminate water features, and otherwise delight visitors as they stroll through the grounds. Throughout your visit, you can also take in the sounds of seasonally appropriate live music across several locations. If you’re thinking about making the trek, you can learn more about the celebration online at LongwoodGardens.org/gardens/our- seasons/longwood-christmas and purchase your tickets in advance.
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