Christmas, it is just around the corner.  Are you prepared?  Do you have the cash in hand to purchase your family and friends gifts?  Or have you purchased slowly throughout the year in order to be able to afford the things you want to give to your loved ones?  Maybe you are nervous as this question is raised because the truth is you haven’t.  What can you do differently next year in order to be more prepared, and so that six months after Christmas you’re not still trying to pay off your holiday bills. 

Having a Christmas fund or determining to purchase a certain number of gifts per month throughout the year in order to better be able to afford Christmas is a good idea.  There are set options such as opening up a Christmas club account at your local bank, or you might just choose to use a simple savings account.  Either way do something that will hold you accountable and keep you from pulling the money out too quickly at a weak moment.

You will be glad come Christmas that the money is there and you are able to purchase gifts for your family and friends without the guilt of the credit card bill coming in come January.