Okay, so you've budgeted, you've saved, you've purchased items on sale earlier in the year, you've narrowed down your bottom-line gift list and made all the promises-to-self that you are only getting what is on the list and you are not going to blow it and buy more than you need.
Now, where are you reeeeeallly watching this year? What are the items that trip you up that you are watching closely to make sure you don't get nailed on this year:
Here are some of mine:
Deadlines -- I often get nailed by late-shipping fees which are not budgeted.
Groceries -- My go-to store for the best prices at holiday jacked their prices last year and as I was shopping last minute I was not prepared. This year, I'm really watching those circulars. Will start a whole 'nother thread on groceries in a minute.
Veggies & Quick-spoilage items -- I'm not buying it if it isn't being used immediately. No room in budget for foods that go bad before I use them.
Kids Snack Foods -- I am reducing the everyday garbage to make room in the budget for the holiday garbage.
Gas -- I am buying as much as I can online to avoid the gas costs. At $70 to fill my tank, it really makes a difference.
Wrapping supplies -- Especially tape! This stuff often gets me. I'm going to use up ALL of my old and tear apart my house to unearth more before I buy new.
Starbucks -- Have to have the Eggnog Latte but I'm not having it often.
What areas are you watching closely? What strategies are you using to cut corners on the costs? What little things trip you up?
Now, where are you reeeeeallly watching this year? What are the items that trip you up that you are watching closely to make sure you don't get nailed on this year:
Here are some of mine:
Deadlines -- I often get nailed by late-shipping fees which are not budgeted.
Groceries -- My go-to store for the best prices at holiday jacked their prices last year and as I was shopping last minute I was not prepared. This year, I'm really watching those circulars. Will start a whole 'nother thread on groceries in a minute.
Veggies & Quick-spoilage items -- I'm not buying it if it isn't being used immediately. No room in budget for foods that go bad before I use them.
Kids Snack Foods -- I am reducing the everyday garbage to make room in the budget for the holiday garbage.
Gas -- I am buying as much as I can online to avoid the gas costs. At $70 to fill my tank, it really makes a difference.
Wrapping supplies -- Especially tape! This stuff often gets me. I'm going to use up ALL of my old and tear apart my house to unearth more before I buy new.
Starbucks -- Have to have the Eggnog Latte but I'm not having it often.
What areas are you watching closely? What strategies are you using to cut corners on the costs? What little things trip you up?