Holiday, love, money and the budget

1. Face the reality. The truth is that many of those new to the amount of their credit cards Visa or Mastercard this month are still paying for Christmas gifts last year. Decide NOT to be in debt this year. Make this decision and do not in debt. "But Larry, you say, if I do not take credit when I can buy anything! "Welcome to your new reality. If you can not afford to buy something, you do not buy it. Simple as that. You should have a budget for Christmas shopping and if you do not, you do not spend any money.

2. Communicate. Talk to your family and tell them where you stand financially. Tell them the truth about your financial situation and tell them that this year will be different. Explain that you will not go into debt just to buy them things they do not need. Try the good old honesty of yesteryear! If your children are small, you do not need to have this conversation with them, you must be creative. The best Christmas with my boys remember is that I was dead broke and spent $ 50 at the military surplus store. Open communication is the key to a happy family and you must tell the truth to yours well in advance in order to create realistic expectations.

3. Make a shopping list. Take paper and pen and write in black and white what you buy, how much it will cost you and see if you have enough money to buy it. Follow your list. Do not just "doing Christmas shopping." People who do buy junk they do not need and spend more than the budget.

4. No electronics. Yes, yes, you read correctly. No trick-mail. The electronics are destroying our children. You do not believe me? If you want proof, read my book: "Your children are your own fault: a guide to make creative and responsible adults." Buy footballs, basketball, baseball, football and balls. Buy bicycles, board games, puzzles, skateboards, yo-yo. "But my kids want games! "You're the parent, while acting as such. Buy them things that do move, think and play outside, and require you to play with them. You know, play like a real parent who is involved in the lives of his children! In addition, electronics is too expensive and makes kids fat, lazy and stupid.

5. Beware of bargains. Make sure the price has not gone down before. Do your homework. Do not expect the store to tell you the truth - do your investigation!

6. No credit card stores! They claim you can save 10% on purchases by opening a loyalty card today. Do not do it, it's a mug's game. "But Larry, I save 10%, not bad! "No, it's a nonsense. You already have too many credit cards and it is a ploy to make you spend more during the initial purchase and in the future.

7. Savings and balances. Understand this: if it's on sale for 40% less when you spend even 60%. You are not currently saving money, you're spending money. Even if it's not as much as you would have spent, you spend it anyway, you do not save. Believe that spending is saving, what a nonsense!

8. Your love for someone is not based on the amount of money you spend for it. Tell her you love her. Tell him your love throughout the year so you have nothing to prove when Christmas comes. The gifts are not equal to love. Love is at the height of love. Love your family enough to be financially responsible.

9. Make your gifts yourself. Put yourself in baking or crafts. Cookies, cakes, candy or anything else you've made yourself will be greatly appreciated. "But I can not cook! "Bullshit. Find a recipe and follow it. The same with manual work. Even if your implementation is not successful, it shows the person who receives you took the time to do it. And good advice: be in the first. Get ahead of everyone and offer your gift before the other hand to establish the process for gifts that Christmas. Trust me, they appreciate the time you took to make something for them and they will appreciate not having to spend a fortune for the gift they will make.

10. Plan better next time. It's never too late to start planning for next Christmas. Start a small savings account Christmas and do not touch it before the end of the year and you will not be mowed or looking in your last or have regrets opening the mailbox in January.

Have a great holiday. Fill them with more love than gifts. And remember that the best gift you can give your family financial security.