4 Holiday Spending Tips

1. Get a handle on your holiday commitments

• Gifts for your nearest and dearest: Write down everyone you’re planning to shop for.
• Tips for service providers: Don’t forget your mail carrier, newspaper delivery person, hair stylist, childcare provider dog groomers, personal care providers and similar.
• Teacher gifts: Want to get a little something for your children’s teachers? We highly recommend gift cards — most teachers dip into their own pockets for classroom spending and they can only handle so many cookies and “World’s Best Teacher” mugs!
• Gifts for co-workers or clients: Even if your presents tends to be baked goods or a Secret Santa gift, add them to the list. It’s an expense!
• Get-togethers: Most of us are more likely to host or go out to celebrate with friends and family over the holidays. Plan ahead.
• Holiday cards, wrapping and decorations: The ka-ching factor of a live Christmas tree, poinsettias, cards/postage and decorations can add up fast.
• Transportation costs: Heading out of town? That could mean anything from extra gas money to a plane ticket.
• Holiday outfits. If you’ve got to dress to impress at your office holiday party or the kids have outgrown all their finery, add this to the list (which isn’t to say you have to spend here — but budget for it if you do).
• Donations. Tend to do your charitable giving in December? Add it to your list.

2. Set a budget

3. Use Summit's Climbr® to set goals and stay on top of your spending

4. Keep saving