Did you manage to not add to debt?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2003
Did you manage to not add to debt?
19
Mon, 12-28-2009 - 8:07am

Well, how did you all do over the Christmas season? Were you able to curb the spending and not add to your debt? Or was it just not possible?


Would you do anything different next year?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 8:36am

I did not add to my debt, but perhaps spent a little more than expected.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2009
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 9:13am
We didn't add any debt thankfully this year. I feel that I was very mindful about what I got people and tried to be practical. For our daughters I really shopped around and one of their big gifts ( a natural doll house with all of the accesories) I bought used for 75 and probably saved 200.

Liz

student loan paid off 2010

Bathroom remodel loan paid off 2013

Pending Car loan to be paid by the end of 2014!!!!!

 

Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 10:29am
Over the last couple of years my spreadsheet has gradually grown to include everything. I have a line for groceries for the 24/25th, one for the photo with Santa (sometimes we can get a free one or use our own camera; sometimes not), after-Christmas stock up on wrapping paper and ribbon, Christmas cards, the photos I put in of the kids, stamps, etc. My shipping costs go in with the budget of each gift. I only mail three, I think, but if I have a $20 budget and know shipping will be $5, I max my spending at $15. I've already bought wrapping paper, ribbon, and cards for next year so the list is already seeing some action. Oh, I include my stepdaughters birthday gift on the list as well because we always give it to her Christmas Eve because her birthday is so close to Christmas. Frankly, I want EVERYTHING to count when it gets close because I want it all to feel like progress, LOL! I literally have 134 lines of "to do" items on my spreadsheet because I even list stocking stuffers individually for my (will be) six kids and I stuff one for DH and my mom as well. It's a phenomenal way to stay organized, but it's a little painful to look at when it's mostly blank! It does, however, keep my from having my head in the sand about the true cost of everything. ;c)

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FLINGING DEBT:
Sarah
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 10:39am
LOL, Sarah, you are my inspiration!

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-1999
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 11:27am

We did not add to our debt this holiday season - we had a $500 cash budget, and even with a few unexpected expenses only went about $31 over. No credit cards were harmed in the making of this Christmas LOL!

I have learned that there are a few other things that need to be accounted for in our budgeting for the holiday, such as extra travel (gas & tolls). But all in all, a well-executed plan this year!










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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 1:07pm

I did great this year, and will not have any bill that will incur interest. I am still waiting for the Target and Kohl's cards to come in, but they will be small as I paid for most as soon as I charged right at the register (thanks for the tips on doing that all.)

I spent $200 more than planned - so $2800 as opposed to $2600. But DH really didn't spend more than $600, so we were far lower than last year.

I listen to people all year long and write ideas in my calendar for each person. This year they were all totally surprised with the gifts they got (like DS and his hamburger patty maker as he was always complaining about my misshapen patties - now he can do it and he will!) No Chia pets here either, I usually have more ideas for people than I can count. My dad got a Little Buddy heater because he is afraid to move and make noise in his deer blind because his seat warmer crunches too loudly, as it is 50 years old! Mom got new sheets as they went from a full bed to a queen and DD needed a new coat so she does not have to wear her high school letter jacket to college! I always also get my parents their Netflix for the year, so they can enjoy movies the entire year through.

We plan about the same next year, actually $3500, and I will make it work, and that includes about $300 of food as we are off for the two weeks and cook all our food at home. I know I am going to get DH a 52" HDTV, so that will be about 1/3 of the budget, but maybe we will get it for us together and then get smaller gifts to surprise each other.

I generally do not shop all year, never go to a mall, so Christmas is the biggy for us all year.

-Marie




Edited 12/29/2009 1:19 pm ET by skibunyns



iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 1:33pm

I did not go into debt this year with Christmas. I cannot speak for my BF though as I got spoiled!! Although I know he did not either as he got a Christmas bonus and a very nice check from his summer work last month. I am pretty darn sure he is more than fine and will cover truck repairs too and have some left over.

There is a lot to consider with this holiday, not just gifts. Extra for food, wrapping, gas for extra travel, little gifts we forget, booze. Oh the list goes on and on. I think we need a extra $50 bucks stashed in our wallets to cover this holiday!!

I think I did well on the kids. I may do the same next year. I gave them a gift card for wal mart and books and watches and couple other small things.

Things I would change. Believe it or not. I am going to spend more on BF next year. I will save all year(for his birthday too). He has been so good to me and I feel like I cheaped out and I regret it. So now all I have to do is think of something for July(his birthday)and start saving. It is really difficult for me to think of things!

Life is too short and I can afford more on my journey I have decided.


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Tue, 12-29-2009 - 7:28pm

One suggestion for practical gifts for older people, especially those who no longer drive.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2008
Wed, 12-30-2009 - 1:09pm

Only bought one thing on credit this year. And it was something I can afford to pay off in a lump sum. Next year I am cutting way back on spending.

I would like to skip the whole thing next year. Is it possible to be a non gift giving family?

Laurie
anonymous

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