Keeping your holiday spending in check
December 7, 2011
The holiday season can cause a lot of financial stress for any parent, especially single mothers who are pursuing a college education.
While single mother scholarships, grants for parents and other financial aid help offset the cost of getting a degree, extra expenses for decorations, gifts, holiday cards and attire can quickly add up and cause your budget to be blown. However, there are some ways to save on all of these holiday expenditures without being a scrooge.
When it comes to decorations, making your home look festive doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Homemade decorations such as hand-strung popcorn, construction paper chains and gingerbread ornaments are ideal for decorating a Christmas tree inexpensively. Boxes of solid glass Christmas balls don't cost a lot and can be displayed in a favorite vase or bowl for a colorful statement. Pinecones, bare branches and trimmings from a Christmas tree help bring a little bit of the outdoors to your décor without spending a cent. In addition, a few strands of lights can instantly transform any indoor or outdoor space to a winter wonderland.
Buying gifts for others - especially your children - will often take up the majority of your holiday budget. Remember to keep your budget in mind while doing any shopping and to take advantage of coupons and other special offers to get the best deal possible.
Shopping online can also help you stay on budget and save you precious time, too. You can even get your items sent to you for free by taking advantage of the fourth annual Free Shipping Day on December 16.
Homemade goodies such as cookies, candies and crafts also make great gifts and they don't cost a lot to make. Buy a few decorative tins and fill them with your specialties for a gift anyone will appreciate.
Instead of buying individual gifts for a lot of people, propose a "Secret Santa" gift swap or other type of event in which you only have to buy one gift. Putting a low price limit on these gifts helps ensure everyone gets creative with their gift choices and it's a fun way to spend time with friends or family during the holidays.
While many people like sending holiday cards this time of year, the time and expense associated with this project simply isn't realistic for many single mothers who are in college. Save money by cutting your list down to those closest to you, making and delivering cards yourself or sending a free e-card.
Finally, avoiding spending a lot of money on special clothing for yourself or your children to wear to holiday events by shopping at consignment, secondhand or thrift stores. These places often feature gently used, brand name items at a fraction of the retail cost.
Remember that the holidays don't have to be expensive to be successful. The most important thing is to spend time with those you love!
