I can’t believe the year is almost over! It’s already December! Here’s your monthly update that it’s time to set the budget for the new month. And, as usual, here are a few potential December budget expenses you won’t want to forget.
See the below and double-check your budget so your “Ho Ho Ho” doesn’t turn into an “Oh No Oh No!” That was cheesy, but you still want to check this list out just in case!
POSTAGE & SHIPPING
Whether you’re mailing out Christmas cards to everyone and their grandma at 63 cents a pop or you drew Uncle Joe in Iowa’s name in the family gift exchange, chances are you’ll need to mail or ship something this month.
Make sure that postage is included in the monthly budget, and overestimate what you think it’ll cost. At this point in the game, I recommend you upgrade your shipping budget to guarantee it’ll get there in time.
Not sure what to budget for shipping? Hop online and check out the flat-rate prices to get an idea. And again, add some wiggle room in the budget just in case.
MAKE ROOM IN YOUR DECEMBER BUDGET TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER TO THOSE IN NEED
This is a great time of year to count your blessings. If your biggest stress is what to get everyone and budgeting for all the extra fun this month, you are most fortunate.
Maybe add a few non-perishable items to your grocery list for the local food bank, adopt an angel from a tree, or give a little to your favorite cause. Our church is doing an awesome reverse advent food drive. We just finished a blessing bag item collection as well.
Just make sure you don’t get swept up in the spirit of giving without checking your budget first.
HOLIDAY PARTIES
The invites are probably already starting to trickle in. I know ours are. Family, school, and church events are getting juggled in our schedule.
Everything has to fit both our time and money budgets. It’s no fun when you’ve overbooked yourself. And don’t forget to recharge your social batteries amid all the hustle and bustle!
Consider the cost of hostess gifts, potluck foods, and spirits that may be expected at said parties as well. Be sure to check out these 3 Holiday Dinner Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank.
I advise asking if games will be played that require the purchase of a gift such as Dirty or Secret Santa.
Be sure you know the answers to these questions before you answer the RSVP. It’s just better for everyone involved.
ALL THE SCHOOL THINGS NEED TO BE IN THE DECEMBER BUDGET
Tis the season for school parties. Expenses range from gift exchanges, to goody bags, to food.
I’ll be hitting up Dollar Tree for all the goodies. This mama isn’t busting the family budget or stressing over it.
Make sure any teacher gifts or other expenses are in the budget before committing funds. Our local schools do trees for students as well as teachers. We get one of each and budget accordingly.
AFTER-HOLIDAY CLEARANCE SALES
We got a new tree a couple of years ago, so I’ve been decluttering and donating ornaments we no longer use and added a few new ones.
l might just add a few more before it all gets packed away. Why pay full price for Christmas decorations when they’re 60% off or more closer to and just after the holiday?
If you plan to take advantage of the clearance sales make sure there’s room in the budget. And, just to keep it more minimalistic follow that rule of thumb that for every new item you bring into the house one old, unused item goes out.
GET THAT DECEMBER BUDGET SET AND ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES WITH LESS STRESS
We have a pretty good life, an emergency fund, and two healthy and happy (usually) kids. Keeping within our budget helps all that happen and reduces our stress.
So set that December budget, keep track of it, and enjoy this season of wonder with your family. Be sure to check out The Minimalist’s Pre-Holiday to-do List to help make the holiday season even less stressful. Stay frugal and healthy and I’ll see you in the next post!
I just love the clearance sales. You can get such great bargains and we have a lot of family birthdays in the new year!