It's the day after Christmas and I don't know about the rest of you, but I am still busy stuffing my face with Christmas cookies and leftovers. I'm not in the mood to discuss anything too serious today, so I thought we could take today and share stories of how well this holiday spending season went (or not).
Did you make a budget? If so, did you manage to stick to it? Did you buy anything you regret buying now? Did you not buy anything you now regret? Are you going to hit the after Christmas sales? Are you going to have a lean January to make up for any excesses? Any lessons learned or words of wisdom you'd like to pass on?
I'll go first:
Did I make a budget?
Not exactly. Rather than a strict dollar limit, I had sort of an attitude budget this year. I was only trying to buy things that really called out to me as perfect for someone on my list. If I just couldn't find anything right, I wasn't going to buy anything at all. Also, if I found one right gift, I stopped there. No more excessive gifting was my motto. I also really tried to pick out useful gifts whenever possible.
Did I manage to stick to it?
Well, for the most part, yes. I did succumb to the "I must get something, anything, for so-and-so" argument once in a while, but for the most part, I'm pretty sure that the few things I got will all be well used.
Did I buy anything I regret buying now?
Hmm, not now, but give me a few weeks or months when I notice that my gifts aren't as useful as I thought, and I'm sure the regrets will materialize.
Did I not buy anything I now regret?
Well, I never got around to getting what I planned for my husband. It's OK though. We are both such procrastinators, he didn't get me anything either. We're going shopping today.
Am I going to hit the after Christmas sales?
You bet. Over the years, I have tried to train my friends and relatives to expect their presents late. It's mostly because I'm a perpetually late person, but it does give me a chance to check out the sales.
Am I going to have a lean January to make up for any excesses?
I don't think so. I didn't really overindulge this year, so I'm not worried.
Any lessons learned or words of wisdom I'd like to pass on?
Start earlier? I don't think that counts as a lesson learned though, since I always mean to and never do.
Frugal Tip of the Week: Now is the time to stock up on holiday items (decorations, wrapping paper, cards, etc.) Store them away safe for next year and you'll be glad you did when you need them. In January, look for calendars and winter clothing to go on sale and also keep an eye out for White Sales. This is the traditional time of the year for household linens to be marked down.