Did you manage to not add to debt?
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Did you manage to not add to debt?
| 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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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
Liz
student loan paid off 2010
Bathroom remodel loan paid off 2013
Pending Car loan to be paid by the end of 2014!!!!!
FLINGING DEBT:
Kate
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!
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
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.
One suggestion for practical gifts for older people, especially those who no longer drive.
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?
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