How To Use Your Coins Wisely This Christmas Season

Does Christmas cost you an arm and leg every year? Do you find yourself reaching way deep down in your purse to pull it all together? Christmas doesn’t have to break your bank! In fact, you can save money AND pick up some meaningful new traditions.

Here are some tips for keeping your holiday financially manageable while still making an impact:

1-Stick to a List

Scribble down all the folks you want to buy a gift for, number that list and then cut it in half. Next, cut that in half and then into thirds. Just kidding! But you should prioritize who you would like to gift to. If you are low on cash, White Elephant gifts are clutch.

2-Set a Budget

Decide how much you can afford to spend in cash or pay off free and clear on the next billing cycle (if you use your credit card.) Then divide that budget accordingly for the folks on your list. You are NOT obligated to spend the same amount on everyone. Be thoughtful in considering what would make them feel the most loved and don’t go by the price tag.

3-Give ‘Em a Little WAP

Wait… you thought I was talking about that WAP?! *tee hee* Naw, Sis… I meant “Well-wishes And Prayers.” If this year has taught us one thing, it is how unpredictable life can be, which means we should cherish those we love more often. Why not send a thoughtful card or go old school and send a letter to a loved one? Throw in a printed photo from Walgreens, a cute picture frame plus postage, and you are good-to-go for under $10.

4-Consider Experiences in Lieu of Gifts

Instead of purchasing items where the newness will wear off, why not treat your family to an awesome experience like a chef-prepared dinner, hotel staycation, or a family paint party and pizza night? I could go on but you get it, right? Chile… spend the money to make memories instead. 

When hubby and I were dating and were mad broke, we made each other gift certificates for different things like: home-cooked meal, a foot rub, breakfast in bed, Chick Flick Movie Night, etc. We also created gift certificates for family members for babysitting and other errands.

5-Adopt a Family

This year I’m so excited that my family and I have decided to purchase gifts for a family of 3. This will cost us $250-300. We get to shop for their gifts and wrap them! Not only is this a heartfelt gesture but it also teaches my 5 year-old about giving, abundance, and gratitude. And, yes, we are cutting down our list in order to be able to do it. (See #1 and #2 if you forgot what to do!)

6-Wait Until After Christmas

If after reading ALL of this, you still want to buy something… convince the people on your list to wait and exchange gifts after Christmas. Those sales are amazing!

Closing Thoughts

The holidays are not rewarding if you are struggling to make purchases that you cannot afford. IDGAF who it’s for either!  Ok… maybe your kids but still. Tell them crumb snatchers to get a job! I can’t tell you how many times I was shopping (read: overspending) and hoping my debit or credit card would go through. Nowadays I can afford to spend more but why? Christmas is just one day and I want to have some money left for December 26 and beyond! 

Oh and last thing… buy BLACK every day and for the holidays especially! There are so many amazing, high quality Black-owned businesses that would love to have you as a customer. A few of my favorite things are Love Cork Screw for wine; The Lip Bar (duh… lipstick and glosses); The Wrap Life for headwraps and headbands; ILAVA: It Can Be Done! for African inspired attire; Béni Mode online boutique for cute outfits that won’t break the bank; OUI the People for luxury body care; and Chic Shirt Shop for shirts and hoodies. The retailers mentioned above can get you all the way together with wine, lipstick, headwraps, African couture, cute and casual attire, and luxury skincare. And they’re all woman owned. BOOM! You’re welcome!

Happy shopping!