This is my favorite time of the year! Why? Because there always seem to be a shift in most people's attitudes. People are happier and getting caught up in the spirit of holiday season! The weather changes...it starts getting cooler outside. It's very pleasant. The sweltering heat is gone for the most part. It's not quite sweater weather yet, at least not here in Houston, but it's probably time to put away the flip flops and tank tops.
Now if you love this season as well, you also know that it is also a time of frivolous spending. Many people get caught up in the glaring 'SALE' signs in the store windows, television ads and Internet pop-ups. These ads are even more crafty nowadays because your previously viewed websites now appear as advertisement banners on your e-mail homepage. And these ads are very specific. Try looking at an item for a second too long, I guarantee you, the very next website you visit, that item will be there reminding you to buy it.
Anyway, if you're like me and you love this time of the year, don't allow the euphoric feeling to dictate your spending. Let your wallet do the talking. If you haven't prepared a budget for your holiday spending, now is the time to do so. Think about your past gift-giving habits. Do you overspend? Who are you going to purchase gifts for? Are you planning to decorate your home? Are you planning a holiday party? Whatever you're planning to spend money on this holiday season, make sure that you don't overspend.
If you started this year off with a financial goal in mind, try as much as possible to stick to it. You can do it! Sure, you may have fallen off a time or two this year but don't decide to blow it and start over again on January 1 just because you want to give in to the spending impulse. Isn't that what you did last year?
You can enjoy the holiday season and give to others. I only encourage you not to go into debt while doing it. Who wants to spend the next year paying off Christmas gifts from last year? It'll be time to set new financial goals, right? :-)
***My latest book, "Not Without You" has been nominated for the Henri Award. There will also be a Readers' Choice award. Please vote for "Not Without You" here: http://christianliteraryawards.com/2014/09/15/readers-choice-voting/
And if you haven't had the chance, check out my new video posted to my website: http://www.encouraging-works.com/more-encouraging-works.html ***
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