Prepare a budget and know your limits3 of 9Write down how much money you can afford to spend for each person on your gift list, including teachers, co-workers, friends and family. Factor in the cost of decorating, greeting cards and entertaining into your budget. Also add in the cost of travel and shipping of gifts, says Glass."If you're traveling by air, don't forget to add baggage fees into your plan," Glass says. "All those expenses, in addition to gifts, can add up."One of the best ways to stick to your spending plan and save money is to put the cash you have allotted for the holidays into a separate account -- and don't touch it until you're ready to buy something on your list. Related Articles:Best holiday saving tipsFrugal holiday tipsHoliday spending calculatorChristmas club tames billsRelated Links:Stretching holiday cashFind frugal, not cheap, giftsTips for gifts on a budgetHoliday shipping tips advertisement
Write down how much money you can afford to spend for each person on your gift list, including teachers, co-workers, friends and family. Factor in the cost of decorating, greeting cards and entertaining into your budget. Also add in the cost of travel and shipping of gifts, says Glass.
"If you're traveling by air, don't forget to add baggage fees into your plan," Glass says. "All those expenses, in addition to gifts, can add up."
One of the best ways to stick to your spending plan and save money is to put the cash you have allotted for the holidays into a separate account -- and don't touch it until you're ready to buy something on your list.
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused.
By submitting a post, you agree to be bound by Bankrate's terms of use. Please refer to Bankrate's privacy policy for more information regarding Bankrate's privacy practices.