To many Americans the fourth Thursday in November is significant as the day that we, as a nation, set aside time to show our thankfulness for our many blessings. While it is a celebrated day, it is also significant for another very important reason. Maybe you even recognized it at your house this year. It is the day when someone - aunt Mary, cousin Louis, maybe even yourself a recognizes that Christmas is this month!!!

Most people have failed to recognize that Christmas comes on the same date every year December 25. While the day of the week is never the same from one year to the next, the date always remains the same.

Regardless of why, most people fail to plan for that day. Some have lofty ideas, plans and desires to give the perfect gift, but they never plan on how they can afford it. Or they dont plan. Whatever the reason, lack of planning and preparing around Christmas gift giving leaves us ultimately spending more than we have. Many times the lack of planning makes us spend money we dont have trying to impress others. What a disaster.

For those in this situation, they have for Christmas by incurring more debt and typically on their credit cards.

No wonder the holiday season is so depressing for many people, they begin to realize that the next six to eight months, maybe longer, will be used to pay off the debt incurred as they go beyond their means.

Why not try a different approach this year? Trying a different approach will help bring some true financial peace to the season and to the weeks and months following.

How about building a Christmas spending plan? The great thing is that it is not too late. Following these steps will help you stay within your financial means for the holidays.

Start by living by these simple steps:

• Start now!! Dont wait until the 23rd and expect avoid going into debt.
• Determine now what the total dollar amount of your holiday spending will be. Don't forget holiday parties, office gifts, decorations and, oh yeah - uncle Fred!
• Make a list of everyone you will give a gift to and put a maximum dollar amount on each person's gift. The total amount must not exceed your total amount in the previous step.
• Consider cashing your total Christmas dollar amount, placing the cash in a Christmas designated envelope and purchase gifts using only that cash. When the cash is gone, your shopping is done. Manage it wisely and according to your plan.
• Purchase gifts that only fit within the dollar amount you have designated for each person. No exceptions!
• Consider that some of the most special gifts are not the most expensive, but those that come from the heart. Things that you craft and even personalized cards go a long way when you are in debt and can not afford another pair of socks for your dad.
• Execute to this plan. Hold yourself accountable for living to your plan.
• Dont buy yourself a Christmas gift. Last year more than 60% of Christmas shoppers bought themselves a gift!!
• Vision yourself enjoying a debt-free holiday.

These steps work “ but only when you live by them. It is not too late to use them this year, but you must start now.

What works even better is to plan next years Christmas giving in January. Doing so will help you stay focused through the whole year and budget your Christmas funds a little each month. You may find Christmas is more enjoyable this way.

Just like the earlier steps:

• Determine now what the total dollar amount of your holiday spending will be. Don't forget holiday parties, office gifts, decorations and, oh yeah “ that new brother-in-law!
• Divide the total amount by twelve and budget that amount each month for the next twelve months.
• Make a list of everyone you will give a gift to and put a maximum dollar amount on each person's gift.
• Consider cashing your monthly Christmas dollar amount, placing the cash in a Christmas designated envelope and purchase gifts using only that cash months before Christmas. Place your accumulated cash in your Christmas envelope and purchase gifts through the year when they are truly on sale and discounted. Use the cash only for Christmas gifts.
• Consider that some of the most special gifts are not the most expensive, but those that come from the heart.
• Make plans and vision yourself enjoying another debt-free holiday.
• Stop using credit cards!!

It is not too early to plan for this Christmas. Starting now will allow you to enjoy a debt-free Christmas “ this year and in years to follow.

Wow, what a great Christmas gift to you and your family - no credit card bills!!

Financial Focu$

www.myfinancialfocus.net

678-648-9940