Every store in America has a marketing strategy to get you to buy products at their store over the holidays. They flesh out this plan with good deals on certain items, announcing new specials each week, enticing you to spend more.

One way that you can keep your finances in check during the holidays is to develop a plan. Planning helps alert you before your spending pattern goes in the wrong direction.

A holiday financial plan will ensure that you have resources in case the unexpected happens. For example, you may have a car accident during holidays and need to call a car accident helpline for assistance from a doctor or an Atlanta car accident attorney.

Preserve Your Family Finances

Start with a Budget

Your plan starts with a budget. Start by deciding how much of your money can go towards holiday spending this year. Pick a number that is ten percent less than your budget number then divide that amount by the number of people on your list. That is a number you should stick to. The extra ten percent gives you little wiggle room in your budget for any last minute gifts and deals that you may come across.

Find Deals Early

Retailers start early with deals. You should too. Waiting till the last minute may mean that you pay full price for an item or pay extra to have it rush shipped to your house. Get out before everyone else does and you can kick back and enjoy what the holiday season is really about by spending time with family.

Steer Clear of Credit Cards

Credit cards are a sure way to spend money you don’t have. Limiting or not using them at all during the holidays will keep you from overspending. As an alternative use cash, checks, or debit cards. This means you will be drawing from money you actually have as opposed to spending money you don’t. If you want to control your spending even more, you could create a separate saving account especially for Christmas spending.

Try These Tips to Keep Your Finances in Tact During the Holidays

More Time, Less Gifts

Time is more valuable than gifts. There may be certain people on your list that might take the gift of time as more valuable than any gift you could buy. You might even be able to give a less expensive, well thought out gift to each person on your gift list. Kode aktivasi avast cleanup premier

Cut Down on Extras

The holidays are a time of cheer and happiness. It’s easy to let the thrill of the season encourage you to spend money on countless things while you’re traveling or shopping for gifts. All those little things add up, and before you know it, your finances will be out of control.

1-800-FASTHELP is Atlanta’s car accident helpline. We want you to drive safely and enjoy the holidays. You may not need us right now, but when a car accident happens Fast Help sets you up with the right Atlanta personal injury doctors and personal injury attorneys to aid you in recovery. If you find yourself in a car accident call us at 1-800-FASTHELP or locally at (404) 592-0138.