Holiday spending???

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Holiday spending???
9
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 10:41am

LOL.....I meant to make a poll, but it turned into a post.

I was just asking about your holiday spending so far. If you're over budget, right on track, haven't even shopped yet, or not even planning to shop.

I'm slightly overbudget, but it's okay.




Edited 12/19/2006 10:45 am ET by fivesense
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2002
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 11:27am

I'd probably be over budget if I made a budget. BUT this year has been phenominal as far as finances go... (basically the ex is paying his child support). And since I normally budget without that support, I'm doing REALLY well financially. Praise Jesus.

So, I kinda figured on what I can spend on each family member and decorations, BUT didn't add it all up. And I've bought gifts for family and friends that I normally can't afford. I know for a fact though that I've spent more on Christmas this year than in the past 5 years or more. I give God all the glory for this prosperous year. Amen.

**A huge difference from two years ago when I was living in a hotel (with no where else to go) and didn't get a tree. Christmas for the children was "saved" when my bible study group gave me a huge gift card to Walmart. That was an amazing gesture of God's Love. I was able to buy food, diapers, and presents for all the kids. God always provides!!! Amen. Oh, yeah, and that year I bought a double stroller which was a huge help in toting my two little girls.

I guess it's good for me to think back to that year so that I don't take for granted the blessing I am recieving today. Amen.

Loonybunny

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2006
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 12:02pm

I'm happy to say that last Saturday I did all of my shopping. All of it. In one day. Yeah, it was a buying frenzy, but there was no chance I'd forget what I'd already purchased, and I had the cash, so no chance of overspending.
I still need to get candy for the stockings, and wrap, wrap, wrap, but I'm DONE!!
As for my budget, it's more than I wanted to spend, but less than I had feared I'd end up spending, so all in all pretty good. I did get some great deals, and my kids will have a wonderful Christmas, which is what's important to me.

Moody-still not feeling very Christmassy, since it's been 50 here


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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2006
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 1:04pm
Budget? What budget? No, I don't spend more than I can afford, but I don't make a budget, just try to get what's appropriate for each person on the list. I do set aside a finite amount for my boys to go out and shop for me, their sister, and one another. I think of it as their Xmas club allowance.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2005
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 1:08pm

Instead of doing a budget, I start shopping in September when I see the Halloween/Xmas stuff coming out - and I buy in drips and drabs until I get it all done, paying cash along the way. I usually aim to be done around Thanksgiving - which I was this year - just made a last minute dash to Walmart to get stuff for DS. We celebrated Xmas this past weekend because he leaves this week with his dad to visit that side of his family. It is a little sad but then again I get a week or more of quiet time to myself. And next year I get him for Xmas.

So, to make a long story short, I guess I am on budget because I paid cash for everything.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 2:03pm
Ha, you did what I say I'm going to do every year. I always intend to shop early, but never manage to do it. I do save up the money early in the year though.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2005
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 2:11pm
The only reason I do this is because I spent a long time in the hospitality industry - and we were hideously busy throughout the holidays. I would go to work when it was dark and get out when it was dark - very tired from running around on my feet. And there was no internet. And I detest long lines. SO... the reason for my being an early bird - I had to. And I have carried on this tradition now that I am busy and want to train for my sport - I do it to save time and avoid getting sick or aggravated in the mall. I probably did most of my shopping online this year.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2006
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 5:32pm
75% of my shopping is online these days, not just at the holidays either. And I was beginning to think I was the only woman who hated shopping.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-17-2003
Wed, 12-20-2006 - 1:10am
I am a little over budget, but not too bad! I mainly only buy for my kids and a few gifts for a couple of close friends. I make homemade hot chocolate mix for most of my co-workers and it is always a hit! December is always a budget killer with my daughter's birthday on the 14th, but I have learned to prepare!
Stephanie
Avatar for mom2maggie
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Thu, 12-21-2006 - 11:57am

I stuck to my budget, but unfortunately when I made my budget I wasn't planning on having to fire my current attorney and hire a new one. My STBX isn't being any more of a pain than usual, but I recently found out my attorney didn't send/file a few things last June as he told me he did. My STBX's attorney started sending copies of letters directly to me since my attorney hasn't been responding to her either.

So - I'll have some unexpected debt to deal with but I'm going to try not to worry until after the holiday.