‘Tis the season start thinking about holiday budgets Published Oct. 29, 2010 By Carolyn Smith Airman and Family Readiness Center TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The holidays are upon us and the annual spending frenzy has begun. Did you prepare this year by creating a budget for the entire season and setting a goal of sticking to it? The retailers are working hard to separate you from your hard earned dollars, hopefully you are working equally hard to ensure some of that money is staying in your pocket. The military has a great push for the 101 Critical Days of Summer, but no one likes to talk about holiday spending and what damage it can do to our spending plans. When we think about the holidays, we normally think of the time in December, but the holiday season actually begins in October. Have you ever thought about what you spend for the Halloween treats and costumes? How about food and décor for Thanksgiving? Wrapping paper, bows and tape, it all adds up. If you have not already set a spending plan create one today, decide to stick to it, don't give in and bust the plan no matter how tempting the items are on the end cap at your favorite store. If you come from a large family, is it necessary to buy a gift for all the siblings, their spouses, children and the pets? This year consider buying one gift for the family, maybe a pass to their favorite museum or amusement park. They will think of you each time they visit and it's a gift that keeps on giving. If the budget is tight or if you want a creative idea, give them a coupon book that can be exchanged throughout the year for your time. The coupon could be good for three hours of babysitting, several hours of board games, cooking a meal or washing the dishes, washing the car or pet, a trip to see the fall foliage next year. With coupons, the sky is the limit. Get creative and try to think about things the family enjoys. It doesn't take a lot of money, but it can be very enjoyable. If you haven't finished the holiday cards this year, you may want to decide if you really enjoy sending holiday cards. Have you thought about the cost of the cards and postage? Would an e-card accomplish the goal? They are free and can be scheduled to mail on a specific day to a specific group of people and, the best part, you don't have to sign your name 150 times. Start a new tradition this year, be bold, think of ways to save time and money while still accomplishing the task. Hopefully, you began the holiday shopping as early as possible. Gifts are cheaper the earlier you start; prices tend to creep up the closer it gets to the holidays. Those special deals offered in December may not be so special after all. If you were organized and started early, you saved money and stress. If you are considering the "No Payment Due Until May" option, consider whether you can afford this item today instead. If the answer is no, you probably won't be able to afford it in May, so leave it alone and don't get caught in the trap. Remember, retailers want your money and your goal this year is to retain as much as possible. Paper or plastic? This decision does not concern the type of container you will carry your purchase in -- instead how will you pay for it. It has been proven that you will spend up to 40 percent more if you use a credit card. Before you go out holiday shopping, stop by the bank, remove a specific amount of money and use it. Yes, stores still accept cash. It will be amazing how frugal you become when you hand over cash versus swiping plastic. Keep a ledger showing where the money was spent and ensure you stay within your budget. If you do decide to use plastic, use one card with the lowest interest rate, track all purchases and subtract them from the budgeted amount. If you have the opportunity to take an entire day to complete your shopping, try to do this instead of quick trips during lunch breaks or after work. You'll find yourself less stressed and not making impulse buys. Don't forget about online shopping. Sitting in the privacy of your home in your favorite sweats, avoiding the long lines at the checkout counters and finding the item you're looking for while comparing prices is great. Plus you don't have to worry about wrapping or shipping with online shopping. Ensure the site has the proper protection so you don't end up a victim of identity theft, track your expenses and stay within the budget. Go green this year with wrapping. Instead of spending a fortune on paper that will be destroyed in a few minutes, consider alternative methods. Use the comic section from the newspaper, this gives everyone reading material after the gifts are opened. Brown grocery bags that the children have decorated with crayons and markers make original holiday wrappers and don't cost a lot of money. Or decide to go completely green, don't wrap any of the gifts, put them out after everyone has gone to bed unwrapped with name tags only. Be bold, start a new tradition this year. The holidays should be a time of enjoyment, spending time with family and not worrying about bills. Don't forget to plan ahead because the weather man doesn't always get the forecast correct. Last year, many people were stuck on the highway or chipping ice off the windshield instead of picking up those last minute items. Have a great holiday season and remember the Airman and Family Readiness Center can help you prepare that holiday spending plan. Just give them a call at 739-2747.