Do your research

• Look at last year's credit card and bank statements to see what you spent and what activities you participated in.
• Check your calendar for what's coming up this year.
• Decide what you want to spend. 

Make a list and check it twice

• The holidays can get crazy.  Create some focus around what's really meaningful and be sure you can do the important things by making a list of everything you might spend money on.  Include gifts and events, and don't forget items like extra gas or travel expenses, food for special meals or even extra take-out, and party clothes you might need.
• Next, sort your list by priority with the most important things on the top.  Then fill in what you plan to spend on each.
• Total the list from top-to-bottom.  Once the budget is spent, cross out anything left at the bottom of the list that wasn't funded.  These should be the smaller, less important things.  If not, try some of the tips below. 

Stretch your holiday budget

• Buy early and look for sales and discounts.  If you visit after the holidays, then shop later to take advantage of even bigger sales.
• Use your list to set a per-person gift limit to minimize impulse purchases while you're shopping.
• Give one gift to a couple or a family.  Gift baskets and coupons for chores or babysitting are always appreciated.  Food and gas cards can be a welcome gift this time of year.
• Go green; save paper and postage.  Trim your gift and card list where you can.
• Write a note or make a phone call - sometimes what you say can mean more than the most expensive thing you could buy.
• Remember, it's the thought that counts.  Give handmade gifts or share potluck meals in place of a big party.

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