If you look around the blogs here at Families.com, you’ll find plenty of advice on how to be frugal, how to manage your money, and more good financial info. The holiday season can be especially stressful on our minds and our pocketbooks!
Financial health has a direct impact on mental well-being. If you have huge bills, if you are stressed about your income, or if you are worried about budgeting for gifts and parties, you may feel like your life is out of control! This stress can be bad for you. Stress can raise your blood pressure, lower your mood, and lead to unhealthy overeating.
So what can you do?
- Plan ahead. You know the holidays are coming. They come the same time every year! If you put aside a little money every month leading up to the shopping season, you’ll have a little less to worry about.
- Make a budget and stick to it. This can be a tough one if you find that “perfect gift” and it is out of your price range. You have two options — spend less on another gift, or find a less expensive alternative.
- Make a list and check it twice. This is another variation on the idea of planning ahead — decide who you’re buying for and what you’re going to get them BEFORE you hit the mall.
- Don’t let one splurge become an excuse to go crazy. Forgive yourself for the money mistake and go back to your budget.
- Watch your impulse buying. Keep a notepad in your pocket and write down every impulse buy you’d like to make. Wait a few days and see if you still REALLY want the items.
- Look for gifts that make you (and the recipient) feel good. Make a donation to a favorite charity or buy gifts where a portion of the proceeds support your favorite causes.
- Be sure to take time to de-stress! Curl up with cocoa and a good book, or check out a new movie. You have to give yourself a break from the stress or the cycle will never stop.
Need a quick mood booster? Drop some change in the Salvation Army pot — or make another charitable donation. This is an impulse “buy” that makes you feel good.