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Common December Budget Categories
With the holidays, your December budget might look a little different than usual. There’s no doubt that December is a higher spending month but as long as you make a plan you can stay within your budget. Here are 7 common things you don’t want to forget when planning for December.
1. Christmas Gifts
This one comes at no surprise for your December budget, but it is something to be mindful about. Once you have your plan for December, make a separate Christmas Budget to help you track all expenses such as gifts, postage, cards, decorations, etc.
If you’re on a tight budget, be open with your family about it. Express to them that a fun and affordable activity together would mean more to you than a pile of gifts. For more tips on staying within your budget this month, check out 6 Tips on How to Avoid Overspending at Christmas.
2. Travel
And with the holidays comes extra travel, whether it’s across town or across the country. Holidays are peak season for airlines, so prices are typically higher. And if you’re driving more that means more gas. Bump up that gas budget this month.
3. Food
What would December be like without all that tasty holiday food? Food category will be larger in your December budget thanks to all the extra festivities such as:
- Family Christmas
- Work Christmas
- Treats for school celebrations
- New Years Eve Party
- Making Cookie Platters
4. Winterizing
Baby it’s cold outside (here in NY)! It’s time to prep the house for the winter months. I remember my first apartment that didn’t keep the heat in very well. Not only was money practically seeping out every little crack in the house, I was also running space heaters (hello electric bill!).
Prepping your house for cooler temps can help you save money in the long run.
Windows and doorways are the 2 biggest areas of heat loss. If you have older windows that are less efficient, I suggest using some window insulation film. You can find it on Amazon or probably your local hardware store.
It’s basically shrink wrap for your windows. I used it in my first apartment. It will help with heat loss and therefore save you money on your heating bill.
If you own your own home and have a little more money to invest in home improvement then check the heat loss in your attic. We added some spray insulation foam a few years ago and it has helped tremendously with keeping the second floor warmer.
5. Seasonal and Holiday Activities
Do you have a favorite holiday activity that you plan every year? Some holiday activities might be free while others might be more on the expensive side. Here are some things you might want to check out:
- Breakfast with Santa
- Town Festivals
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tickets
- Snow Sports – Sledding, Snow Shoes, Skiing
- Christmas Concerts
- Ice Skating
- Skiing and Snowboarding
6. Next Year’s Planner and Calendar
I LOVE a good planner! I have had so many different planners in the last several years. Apparently I can’t commit to one thing for 12 months, which is why I love the discbound systems.
I have recently gotten into the Happy Planners. But like I said I don’t use a full 12 month planner. They are easily customizable and in 2024 I would like to work on creating my own planner sheets for my Etsy Shop.
If you want to customize your own planner I also recommend the Talia Notebook System. They have lots of covers and inserts.
BetterNote also has a lot of different types of planner sheets as well.
7. Giving
Giving is probably part of your monthly budget but there might be some special opportunities during this season as well. Local food pantries like to provide families with holiday meals. Some organizations help to provide coats or gifts for kids. If you’re not sure how to help out, check with your church for suggestions.
Plan Your December Budget
Make a written plan for your December budget now before you get too busy with the holiday hustle and bustle! With a little planning up front, you can feel less stressed this holiday season!
Related Articles to Help with Your December Budget
Make a Budget: 5 Simple Steps to Get Started
Organize Your Money With These Common Budget Categories
The Best Christmas Budget Planner for a Stress-Free Holiday
