The Christmas cards I ordered should be delivered any day now. This year’s photo choice was easy because my daughter got married and my family was in the same place at the same time dressed in their best attire. I let the professional do the work.

Sending Christmas greeting cards is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I budget for it accordingly. ‘Tis the season for additional spending and buying cards and postage stamps can be costly. Gifts for the special people in our lives also add up.

Here are some tips to help you to stay on track with your finances through the holiday

Set a realistic budget: Before you spend, take an honest look at your finances. Account for regular expenses such as rent and utilities before you decide how much you can comfortably spend on holiday extras, including gifts, postage, travel, food and decorations. Reviewing last year’s spending can help you set a reasonable goal.

Create a detailed list: Make a list of every item and person you plan to buy for. Assign a spending limit to each individual and item on the list. This strategy prevents impulse purchases and helps you stay on track.

Track your spending: Keep an accurate record of all purchases to stay within your budget.

Shop early: This allows you to avoid last-minute pressure and take advantage of sales. Take advantage of sales events such as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Buying things on clearance can save you a lot of money. It also helps avoid extra costs for expedited shipping.

Avoid using credit cards: Using cash or a debit card can prevent overspending, as you’re limited by the funds you have. If you use credit cards, try to pay off the balance quickly to avoid interest charges. Some credit cards may offer valuable cash back rewards, but this is only worthwhile if you pay the balance in full each month.

Consider alternative gifts: Handmade presents, gift certificates for your time and talents such as babysitting, yard work or baked goods can be more personal and affordable than store-bought gifts. A handcrafted or personalized gift often holds more sentimental value than an expensive store-bought item.

Give experiences: Instead of physical gifts, offer experiences like cooking a special meal, a day at the museum or a movie night. These can be more memorable than physical possessions.

Compare prices: Use comparison websites and apps to find the best deals before making a purchase. When shopping online, aim for free shipping by bundling items or shopping early.

Decorate creatively and reuse items: Make your own decorations, use items from nature, or save and reuse decorations like gift bags and wrapping paper from previous years.

Be mindful of food and drinks: Plan your holiday meals and consider making items like cookies or greeting cards at home to save money.

Set expectations: Let family and friends know if you’re planning a more modest holiday spending budget to avoid pressure for expensive gifts.

Travel during off-peak times: If travel is part of your plans, book flights or other transportation well in advance. Prices for flights and other travel expenses are often higher during peak holiday travel days.

Look ahead to next year: Spread the financial burden by setting aside a small amount of money from each paycheck, starting months in advance. Some financial institutions offer specific 'holiday saving accounts' for this purpose. After the holidays, purchase discounted items like wrapping paper, cards, and decorations to use the following year.

Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu
This article was previously published in The Daily Record.