Don't Go Into Debt This Christmas!

Yes, Christmas is here. You've know that it was coming for the last eleven months. Now that it's here you will start seeing all kinds of great deals and lots of things you 'have to have.' The reality is that you can't get it all. Don't make the mistake of going into debt to buy things for Christmas. Here are some big reason why not to:

It will take time to pay off your debts- This is what so many people forget every Christmas. Those credit card bills will come in the mail. January will eventually come. If you fool yourself into believing that it's smart to pay for gifts with credit cards you will soon pay the price. People often spend several months after Christmas paying for what they bought the Christmas before. Some people are still paying for their gifts when the next Christmas comes. How much sense does this make? Don't fall into the trap of going into debt to by Christmas gifts.

You will be happy during December but stressed during the New Year. A new year is supposed to be about new opportunities. It's supposed to be about setting new goals and achieving new heights. If you are loaded up with debt, it will be hard to do that. Allow yourself to start of the year on a positive note. Avoid charging things for Christmas. It will be hard at times, but you will be so glad come January that you did it.

Most of the things you think you want, you don't 'have to have. We often think we really want or need things that we really don't have to have. We get in a store and see an item and get excited. "I've got to have it." Since we don't have the money the only logical thing to do is to charge it. The reality is most of those 'things' we can live without. Make it your motto to 'walk away.' Go back home and let some time pass. If the desire is still as strong 24-48 hours later, then you can come up with a plan to get what you want. Often however ,you will realize you don't have to have the item.

Have a plan and stick to it. Ultimately this is the only way to survive the holiday season without going into debt. Remember if you don't have a plan, the mall will! Decide ahead of time what people you need to buy for and how much you will spend on each person. Be in agreement with your spouse about this list and each amount. Use the envelope system to help. This system has you take an envelope and put a name on it. Put the amount of money you will spend on that person in your envelope. When the money is gone you are finish shopping for that person. You may feel as if you are micro-managing yourself but you will find that the system works. You won't go back into debt!

Staying out of debt during the holiday season is never easy. But with some planning ahead, and some dedication you can make it into the new year debt free!