'Tis the Season

Lucky for me I have an email account specified to use when opening club savings accounts, signing up for savings with various retailers, shops, and stores. They do not come into my everyday email account where I get messages from friends and family members, or a bill reminder.

The account set up for giant, rite aid, cvs, nordstrom, kate spade, bath & body works, coach, and others is a separate account and it is BOOMING with offers and specials and holiday sales. If I was an impulsive shopper, I'd have a home full of purchases, and struggling to pay my bills.

Don't get caught up in the hype of holiday sales and offers. Here are a few tips to stay focus, but most of all, be grateful for what you already have and that which you share with your loved ones at no cost:

• Unsubscribe to sales emails or set up a separate account
• Don't purchase something (even at sale price) that you do not need
• Don't purchase gifts for friends and family, make gifts such as framed pictures, baked goods, or invite them over for dinner and games
• Be aware of your financial status and goals
• If you didn't plan to make a purchase, don't buy it
• Set financial goals for 2018 (it's never too early to start)
• Limit your credit purchases (it's not really a sale if you're paying interest on the purchase)

Do not let the holidays over take you or make you blue. Instead, celebrate the season with your friends and family. Have potlucks, game nights, wine tastings (everyone bring a wine) and make a dish together (everyone can bring an ingredient). 

I recently met my friend at the local town center. We had a festive time at the center tree. We had great conversation beside the warm fire, and took pictures to share on our social media account. The actual face time with one another was priceless! Now that's something worth saving, the memories we created! 

'Tis the season!

(Share some ways you can save money and your sanity during the holiday season in the comments below)