The holidays are usually filled with joy, celebration and the giving of gifts.
Having a financial plan in place will enable you to be less stressed and get through the holidays with your finances intact.

Budgets and holiday celebrations

Money & Investments

Our emotions are often more intense during the holiday season. Marketers are experts at using those feelings to make you buy things.
<ul>
<li>Make a rule for yourself: If an ad on the internet suggests a product to you, don&#39;t buy it.</li>
<li>Treat your emotions as if they are people. It can help you to detach from that emotion and be more mindful when you buy gifts.</li>
</ul>

Chat with your emotions

Ask yourself what you think a realistic amount is to spend on gifts for yourself and others. It should be a number that you can realistically afford without dipping into your savings or creating credit card debt.
Then do your best to stick to your budget without getting caught up in consumerism. One strategy could be to use your travel funds. If you&#39;ve cancelled a trip, you could redistribute a portion of those dollars for gifts.

Create a holiday budget

For those who are able to see your family in person this holiday season, you can save money by doing a white elephant gift exchange instead of buying gifts.
Another fun activity is cooking a special meal or playing old fashioned charades.

Start a new tradition

Experiences often stand out over possessions in our memories. You can explore a nearby park or nature center with your friends and family, ice skate, ski, visit a zoo, or any number of other activities. 
Online, you can host a talent show or take a virtual craft course. The memory of doing a tutorial together and the funny mistakes you made, will stick for a lifetime.

Focus on experiential gifts

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