Hallelujah! You made it through the pre-holiday season and you\u2019ve managed to stick to your budget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, wait. You might have already crossed off every gift on your list, booked your airline tickets and even finished wrapping your presents, but it\u2019s not over until it\u2019s over. Sudden holiday expenses have a way of sneaking up on you and pouncing just when you thought you were finally done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No worries, though; it\u2019s St. Paul Federal to the rescue! We\u2019ve got tips to help you put the \u201cmerry\u201d back in Christmas and keep your budget intact \u2014 even as last-minute costs creep in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the start of the season, create a full list of everything you\u2019ll spend on this season. Be sure to include everyone you need to give a gift to as well as all costs of travel and hosting as appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you have your expenses written, assign a dollar amount to each one to know exactly what you plan to spend on the holidays and ensure you can get through the season without breaking the budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s too late for this year, take note of last-minute expenses that crop up before Christmas so you can put them on your holiday budget next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip:<\/strong> Use cash or a prepaid card to limit spending. If you\u2019re shopping online, use a debit card rather than a credit card to avoid piling up debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many retailers slash prices on gift items like electronics, clothing and toys during flash sales, clearance events and last-minute coupon promos just before the holidays. Subscribing to retailer email newsletters or using price-tracking apps can alert you to last-minute bargains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> Check out online marketplaces for \u201cdeal of the day\u201d promotions or visit discount retailers for lower prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When there\u2019s just not enough money for yet another gift, make it personal with something homemade. You can gift something simple yet heartfelt, like baked goods, a photo album or homemade candles. These gifts can be personal, memorable and super-cheap compared to store-bought alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> There\u2019s no need to give this option a pass just because you think you\u2019re not crafty. There are loads of easy tutorials online for easy homemade gifts you can create from items you likely have at home, as well as foolproof recipes you can follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your Christmas list keeps growing like a cat\u2019s curiosity around a stack of presents, it\u2019s time to cut back. To avoid hurt feelings, suggest a Secret Santa or gift exchange among groups you belong to, such as your extended family and workmates, so everyone needs to buy just one gift for this entire group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Take advantage of last-minute deals and sales<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. DIY gifts for a personal touch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Limit gift-giving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n