BUDGETING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The holidays will look different this year due to many different factors, including inflation. The annual inflation rate for the United States is 7.1% for the 12 months ended November 2022 after rising 7.7% in the previous month, according to U.S. Labor Department data published Dec. 13, 2022.?Prices are rising for just about everything, forcing millions of Americans to make increasingly difficult choices. More than 8 in 10 consumers are planning to rethink or even reduce their product spending in the next three to six months, according to a new report from market research firm The NPD Group.
WANTS VS NEEDS
An excellent way of reducing expenses is to understand the difference between a want and a need and cut back on wants
A need is something thought to be a necessity or essential item required for life. Examples include food, shelter, clothing, electricity, and transportation.
A want is something unnecessary but desired, or items that increase the quality of living. Examples include electronic gadgets, eating out, video games, travel, sports events, and concerts
What are the WANTS in your life?
Now you can begin listing your own needs and wants.
Start with needs, including basics like food, rent, or mortgage, as well as other fixed expenditures that are necessary for you to live and function, such as transportation costs and insurance coverage.
If you get stuck on a particular item and don’t know where to place it, hold it up to the following questions:
When you’ve completed your list of needs, you can list all remaining expenses in your category of wants.
After completing the listing exercise, review your list of needs to see if anything can be removed. Will you still need these items a few years from now or even a few months from now? Can any of your needs be swapped for a cheaper option? For example, you may need clothing, but do you need eight pairs of designer jeans? Or, I may need a new vehicle but do I need the newest, most decked-out SUV on the market?
Do the same for your list of wants. Which of them are only there because of pressure to keep up with others or look good? Which of your wants were more important to you in the past than they are today? Which are status symbols? Pare down your list until you’re only left with the wants that truly add value to your life.
Separating wants and needs can be one of the most challenging parts of creating a monthly budget. Follow the steps outlined above to learn how to make the distinction between these two spending categories with ease.
Now that you know how to tell the difference between needs and wants, creating a monthly budget is simple. Assign dollar amounts to your fixed and non-fixed needs, set aside money for savings, and use the rest to pay for your wants.
DEFINITION?
Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to spend your money. Creating this spending plan allows you to determine in advance whether you will have enough money to do the things you need to do or would like to do. Budgeting is simply balancing your expenses with your income.
A budget is simply a spending plan that takes into account both current and future income and expenses.
Six Reasons Why You Need a Budget
1. It Helps You Keep Your Eye on the Prize
A budget helps you figure out your long-term goals and work toward them. If you just drift aimlessly through life, tossing your money at every pretty, shiny object that happens to catch your eye, how will you ever save up enough money to buy a car or put a down payment on a house? A budget forces you to map out your goals, save your money, keep track of your progress, and make your dreams a reality.?
2. It Helps Ensure You Don't Spend Money You Don't Have
Far too many consumers spend money they don't have—and we owe it all to credit cards. As a matter of fact, the average credit card debt per household reached $5,525 in 2021.
Before the age of plastic, people tended to know whether they were living within their means. At the end of the month, if they had enough money left to pay the bills and sock some away in savings, they were on track. These days, people who overuse and abuse credit cards don't always realize they're overspending until they're drowning in debt.
However, if you create and stick to a budget, you'll never find yourself in this precarious position. You'll know exactly how much money you earn, how much you can afford to spend each month, and how much you need to save.?
3. It Helps Lead to a Happier Retirement
A budget can help you do just that. It's important to build investment contributions into your budget. If you set aside a portion of your earnings each month to contribute to your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement funds, you'll eventually build a nice nest egg.
4. It Helps You Prepare for Emergencies
Life is filled with unexpected surprises, some better than others. When you get laid off, become sick or injured, go through a divorce, or have a death in the family, it can lead to some serious financial turmoil. Of course, it seems like these emergencies always arise at the worst possible time—when you're already strapped for cash. This is exactly why everyone needs an emergency fund.
Your budget should include an emergency fund that consists of at least three to six months worth of living expenses. This extra money will ensure that you don't spiral into the depths of debt after a life crisis. Of course, it will take time to save up to three to six months' worth of living expenses.
领英推荐
5. It Helps Shed Light on Bad Spending Habits
Building a budget forces you to take a close look at your spending habits. You may notice that you're spending money on things you don't need. Do you honestly watch all 500 channels on your costly extended cable plan or multiple streaming subscriptions? Do you really need 30 pairs of black shoes? Budgeting allows you to rethink your spending habits and refocus on your financial goals.
6. It's Better Than Counting Sheep
Following a budget will also help you catch more shut-eye. How many nights have you tossed and turned worrying about how you were going to pay the bills? People who lose sleep over financial issues are allowing their money to control them. Take back the control. When you budget your money wisely, you'll never lose sleep over financial issues again.
The most important thing to remember when budgeting for holidays is to plan ahead with a set spending amount for gifts, wrapping, entertaining, donations, and travel.??
Make a list and check it twice
Once you have your gift-recipient list, figure out a realistic amount you are able to spend on each person. Then, jot down a couple of gift ideas in your price range for that person.??
Shopping
Online shopping was already growing in popularity, but due to the pandemic, it has become more common. Most people aren’t as worried about avoiding crowds, but online shopping is just easier and more convenient for so many. Retailers are well aware of this and are offering sales and discounts right up to Christmas.
Some other money-saving tips:
Entertaining
Keep costs down by asking everyone to bring their favorite side or dessert, and include festive recipe cards with the chef’s name. There is no need to feel like you have to do it all. Let everyone pitch in, or even better, order takeout
Use DIY decor containing natural items, like holly and pine cones. Gather the kids and go on a hike to find outdoor holiday decorations.
Travel
If you must travel home for the holidays, don’t forget to figure in incidentals beyond basic travel costs.
If you’re traveling by car, gasoline prices have luckily seen a steady dip. Don’t forget to figure in tolls and any emergency costs that may come up.
If you’re flying, consider baggage fees, parking, shuttle costs, and the expense of ground transportation once you arrive.
Charitable giving
The holidays are a time for goodwill toward all, but if your budget cannot accommodate a monetary donation, volunteer your time. There are plenty of organizations that need our help.
The holidays are stressful enough without the added burden of navigating the year’s biggest shopping period as high costs strain our wallets. Here are some ideas for simplifying your holiday shopping:
Key Takeaways:
BUDGETING IS THE FIRST STEP IN MANAGING YOUR MONEY.
The first step on the path to financial success means understanding that you are in control of your financial future.
By developing good money management skills:
"Don't save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after savings." ~ Warren Buffett
Resources:
Parija Kavilanz, CNN Business (June 2, 2022); Reyna Gobel ?(November 18, 2022); National Retail Federation: "NRF Predicts Healthy Holiday Sales as Consumers Navigate Economic Headwinds”