Hello all! I’m glad to be back. The end of October and into November brought a round of the flu through our house. It wasn’t a “knock us down for the count” flu, but a very mild, very prolonged flu. Migraines for two days, then a fever for another two to three days, a day break, and then the next person would be hit. I was very appreciative that it wasn’t the stomach flu though. They are never my strong suit.
So that said, I’m glad to be back and to get back into the swing of budgeting again. When I was making our November budget, I was just getting over my turn at the flu, and I knew I had quite a few medical bills that I needed to pay, so I didn’t leave any room in the budget for extras.
But when it came time to make our December budget, I added in a few categories that I like to make sure I have some extra money for. I wanted to share them with you in case you forgot them as well. I only say this because I’ve been known to forget these categories in the past. A lot. So on top of your usual December budget categories, don’t forget about these expenses throughout the month.
Food Budget
The holidays also bring school closings and guests. I always increase our food budget a smidge this time of year to help offset any extra food we’re purchasing. The kids are home for a week or so at the end of the month, and they’re getting up there in age that they can really start to put food away! Especially the boys! No one ever prepared me for that!
Christmas
It’s December, and that means Christmas is coming! If you’re planning on gift giving this year, there is still time to set aside some money each week so you’re not putting any gifts on credit cards. Remember, the plan is to get out of debt, not add more debt.
I know, I know… you may intend to pay off that card when the bill comes in January. But I’m here to tell you from experience, no matter how well meaning you may be, something else always happens. Now we set aside money each and every week into a separate savings account, specifically for gifts, and it’s a wonderful feeling knowing we don’t have to worry about that bill come January.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be there just yet, you will be. But right now I challenge you to spend within your means this year on gifts. It has its own sense of peace with it.
Parties
Class parties, office parties… whatever the case may be, you’ll want to make sure you set a budget for each and stick to it. Thankfully, classroom parties usually have their own budget limits, but office parties are a bit different. In the past, I’ve made some food to send in with Hubs during the office parties.
Transportation
Are you travelling for the holidays this year? Visiting family a few towns away? If so, make sure to set aside some extra money to cover extra fuel costs, any costs of eating on the road, as well as any hotel accommodations you may need while you’re on the road.
Clearance
December 26th brings some major clearance prices on Christmas items, as well as stores trying to make room for new stock coming in for the beginning of January. I’m not one that enjoys being out in huge crowds, but I will brave some crowds to get things like name tags, wrapping paper and bows really cheap for the following year.
The same applies for any decorations, lights, and so on that you may want to buy, but don’t want to pay full price for.
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