[Wellnesscommunications] December Stay Well Tips - Spend Well this Holiday Season

[Jacqueline Leslie]

[cid:image002.png at 01D7F00E.67916830]

December 13, 2021
To:
Wellness Program Participants

From:
HR Workplace Health and Wellness

Re:
Stay Well Tips - Spend Well this Holiday Season


The holiday season is upon us, which can be significantly more spending. Though you may be looking forward to spending time with family and friends during the holidays, as well as having time off, it may also cost you - monetarily. However, within the next few weeks, there are some easy ways you can save money for holiday gifts<https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/find-money-for-christmas>. If you want to enjoy more time and worry less about spending too much, try these ideas that will help you do both!

Budget and Plan
Planning ahead and setting a budget can reduce overspending. People overlook the little extras when they draft a budget. Include everything from postage for holiday cards to holiday party favors and home decorations to the cost of boarding a pet if you're traveling. Don't only plan but track your expenses during the holiday season so you will not be forced to tap into credit or using money that is not allocated for holiday shopping.
Holiday Account or Cash Only
Just like the piggy bank we had growing up, having a separate account for holiday spending or even a jar at home will keep you disciplined. Using your main checking account allows you to tap into money allocated for other important things like bills and groceries. To help yourself from overspending, carry only cash to spend; that way, each time you go to pay for something, you'll have to pull out real paper money and watch it go into the register. Once you are out, you are out.
Deal Shopper
Take advantage of store offers and coupons. Research where you can find the best deals on the product. You can sign up for company email lists to follow sales and purchase at the right time. There are different applications that can be downloaded that finds all the coupons for you like, Honey<https://www.joinhoney.com/page/DR-EvergreenTechNikeMultiYellow-BestCouponCode-MoneyGoldTime-US/?utm_source=goog&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=GOOG_US_190829_Brand_All_All_Brand-Pure_ETA_DR-EvergreenTechNikeMultiYellow-BestCouponCode-MoneyGoldTime-US&utm_content=DR-EvergreenTechNikeMultiYellow-BestCouponCode-MoneyGoldTime-US&from=r>.
Creativity
Understand you don't have to sell spend a ton in order to show your loved ones you care. There are many people who are more appreciative of the thought that goes into a handcrafted gift<https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/> than a purchased item. Being thoughtful can have a lasting and more memorable effect than breaking the bank. Hop onto Pinterest to get some ideas for crafts that you can give as Christmas gifts. Searching for them now gives you plenty of time to buy the materials and put the effort into
Redirect Your Social Fund
During the holiday season cut costs and save money when dining out and traveling. Order the water or invite friends over. Saving the eating out until after the holidays or ordering takeout can save you as much as $20 or more each time you do. Commit to making your coffee at home. Small changes like cutting your cable (you'll be visiting family and friends most of the month anyway!) or avoiding takeout meals will save extra cash and make a big difference in your budget.
Remember the Reason for the Season
Remember the reason for the season. The holiday season is not all about gift giving but sometimes your presence is better than your present. The holiday season is about family and friends. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, keeping the holiday's spiritual message front and center is a good antidote to the holiday gimmies. Rather than spending weekends leading up to holidays in the mall, spend your time with your loved ones. Giving your time is the greatest gift of all and it's essentially free.



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