5 ways to spend less on holidays!!!

Holidays and any other event in the year can be a budget breaker. I put together a list of 5 resourceful ways to spend less in the next Holiday.

• Make a budget.

Be honest with yourself and write down everybody that is getting a gift and how much you have to spend. Figure out how much money you are able to spend for each person. If money is really tight, start crossing people off the list.

• Buy your gift with cash.

Once again if you don't have the money to spend don't buy it. Most people get themselves in debt by trying to keep up with the Joneses. Once you run out of cash that it. No more spending. An evening gathering is not worth debtors calling!!!

• Shop smart.

Search your favorite store website and check out if they have any deals before you head out there. Most store now days offer good selections at clearance prices with free shipping. Do your research on big items as well. Never settle for the first.

• Be Creative

Off the list that you first created. How many of those can you make them a gift. Sometimes a homemade gift its better than an expensive store bought one. There are several gifts that you can make yourself. I always make gift baskets for my family such as: bath and body; popcorn and movie; pasta lover; etc as well gifts in a jar m&ms with the colors matching the specific holiday; kisses; cookie mix in a jar etc. Once I made my mom a calendar with picture of the family right out of my computer and she loved it. Gifts don't have to be expensive just thoughtful.

• Create a Secret Santa and spend only on the kids.

My family we do it every year. We agree on a budget for our Secret Santa and splurge on the kids. In my household we are very strict about gift giving to the kids. They know they are only getting gifts 2 times a year. Christmas and Birthdays any other day of the year its only needs and not wants.