If the festivity of lights, seeing Santa, and trying to figure out what you should get for all your loved ones stresses you out, you are not alone. As much as the holidays are supposed to bring about cheer and merry good times, it can be stressful for those that already have credit card debt, and too many things are there to do list before even being able to think about holiday expenses. No need to fear, this year you can make it one to remember without stressing out.

Setting some ground rules is the best place to start. You might have had them growing up, or now set them for your children, but they can work for yourself as well, especially when it comes to spending money.

First start by making a list of all the people you need to buy gifts for and set a price for each person, maybe it’s the same, maybe it fluctuates, however make it and don’t break it. Once you’ve given everyone a price, add up the total and see if you can afford it and if it’s reasonable. If you are over your expected spending budget, make any necessary adjustments. If you don’t have a considerable amount of money this year to spend there are gifts you can give which don’t cost a lot at all. Some quick ideas are to bake something, gift baskets full of the person’s favorite items such as coffees, pastas, candies, or make picture frames.

If you can’t spend this year but want to next year start a holiday savings fund which is basically like a direct deposit into an account, so you don’t see the money and therefore won’t miss it. Determine how much money you want to put aside and have a small portion of it deducted from your account each week or month. When the time comes when you are ready to start shopping, you’ll have your money all set to go.

Ever hear the expression, “early bird gets the worm?” It’s very true. Do your shopping early not only to avoid the crowds come winter but no need to have the money and crunch time during the last couple months of the year either.

There is so much one can do to ensure that they have safe and happy holidays. Start with the tips above and come up with more as you go that are realistic for you.

For more information please visit www.holidaydebtresource.com.

Kelly Kennedy is the Communications Specialist for MindComet Corporation, a full service marketing agency for Fortune 500 companies and international conglomerates. Kelly specializes in public relations strategies focused on personal finance. Kelly has been author to hundreds of articles focusing on finance. She also acts as a contributing author for a wide variety of websites and newsletters. Kelly holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida.

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