When it comes to holiday spending there are tons of ways to get off-track. Unexpected costs can come from any angle, and it is important to be prepared for them during the holidays.
Gifts
Holiday gifts can take up a big chunk of your holiday budget. You might have a good idea of the main gifts you need to buy throughout the holidays, but as the season goes on, additional recipients tend to surface. Need a gift for a holiday work party or boss? Did you plan on giving a gift to your postman? Do you kids need a gift for their teacher, bus driver, or classmates? Last-minute gift buying will mean less thought and planning put into the buying process, which might lead you to overspend.
Food
Hosting a holiday party this year? There are tons of options available for the holiday chef. From desserts to appetizers to the main course, a lot of planning needs to go into the perfect holiday meal. You can find an abundance of recipe ideas on the internet, but when picking out a yuletide menu, you seldom think about the added grocery bill. Instead, thoughts should be on preparing a dish that will please your crowd.
And it’s not just ingredients that need to be purchased to create a pleasing meal. Do you have the right serving trays and utensils? How about paper plates, napkins, and silverware? These last-minute items add up quickly.
Travel
Grandma’s house might be just over the river and through the woods, but when it comes to getting there, people tend to forget about things like auto checkups or topping your vehicle off with gas, adding winter tires, or including an emergency roadside kit. Travelling during the holidays is stressful enough without thinking about these potentially life-saving precautions, though they are completely necessary.
And that’s just taking the car. If you’re flying or taking an extended trip, there are even more factors to take into account. Will a carry-on be enough to get you by, or do you need a checked bag as well? Who is bringing you to and from the airport? A neighbor? A cab driver? Will you be staying with relatives or renting a hotel? Think about the entire trip when you plan to leave town for the holidays. The added family time isn’t always as inexpensive as it seems, at first.
With all the different ways you can overspend during the holidays, it can be difficult to stay on track, even if you start the season with the best of intentions. If you find yourself in need of a little extra holiday spending cash, look no further than We Florida Financial. Now through December 31, use Holiday Loans from We Florida for a better way to handle holiday expenses. Borrow $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 with convenient terms and a simple repayment process. Complete the Holiday Loan Application or call 954-745-2400 to get started.
Don’t let holiday spending sneak up on you. When you’re prepared for all that you’ve budgeted and then some, you will surely have a happier holiday season.