Organizing Day Advice

This piece of advice is one I'm going to repeat throughout the season.  Holiday shopping is not safe if it's driven by your heart or your emotions.  It needs to be organized by your brain and governed by a budget.  I know that doesn't sound like fun but the moment your gifts are opened and appreciated is yours to savor.  The moment I want you to avoid is the one in January when bloated credit card bills arrive and you're now in debt. 

Learn Vest is one of several reputable financial sites devoted to keeping you on track financially not just during the holidays but throughout the year.  You can find guidance in my book with financial planner Russell Wild One Year to an Organized Financial Life.  It's a great gift by the way for the friend or relative who overspends at this time of year.

Here are some tips to get you started.

• Sit down with pen and paper and figure out exactly how much money you have to spend.

• Remember to factor in all the expenses that must be dealt with this season in addition to gifts.  You may be traveling and entertaining for example neither of which are cheap.

• Think outside the box when it comes to gifts.  LISTEN when your friends and family members speak and they'll unconsciously feed you a lot of hints.

• Ask someone for help whether that's an assistant or professional organizer or a teenager who is responsible and wants to earn money. Let them shop and/or wrap for you.
• If you are not interested in spending money opt out of exchanges. Bank the money or pay off a credit card or medical bill. 

Take a deep breath. It's supposed to be fun