How to Make a Holiday Gift Budget (Simple 5-Step Plan)
The easiest holiday budget is one you decide before the shopping starts. Here is a simple plan that works on paper, in a spreadsheet or in your banking app.
1. Pick one total
Decide the total you can spend on gifts, food, travel and decorations without borrowing. Write it down.
2. List every person
Write each name with a dollar amount next to it. Add a line for teachers, coworkers, gift exchanges and hosts. The total of the list must fit inside the number from step 1.
3. Count the extras
Wrapping, shipping, holiday meals, travel and charitable giving add up. Give each its own line.
4. Use a sinking fund next year
Divide this year's total by 12 and set that amount aside every month. For example, $600 ÷ 12 = $50 a month. Next December is already paid for.
5. Track as you go
Cross off each gift with the real price. If one runs over, take it from another line instead of adding to the total.
Low-cost gift ideas
- A paperback plus a handwritten note
- Homemade treats or a family recipe card
- A coupon for time together (a hike, a game night, a movie at home)
- A donation in someone's name
Keep going
Money: Master of Your Own Domainabout 2 hr 30 min
Personal finance · about 146 pages · by Oliver Mark
One practical roadmap for budgeting, debt, investing, insurance and life's big changes.
Budgeting, sinking funds, debt and goals in one roadmap.
📚 Read free with Kindle Unlimited (Kindle edition)
Money: Master of Your Domain after College: Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom in Your 20sabout 1 hr 30 min
Young adult personal finance · about 95 pages · by Oliver Mark
First job, first apartment, first real money decisions. Start strong.
For new grads doing a holiday budget on a first paycheck.
📚 Read free with Kindle Unlimited (Kindle edition)
For general education only, not personalized financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Numbers are estimates based on what you enter. The Money series is written by Oliver Mark, a former licensed stockbroker (Series 7 and 63).
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