HO! HO! HO! Tis the Season – for shopping! And that means spending money on gifts, decorations, wrapping paper, holiday cards and the list goes on and on.
Shopping until you drop means spending more money during the holidays than any other time of the year.
Do you spend out of control and go way over your budget?
Do you even have a holiday budget?
Or do you pay cash when you make purchases so your partner doesn’t know how much you really spend?
Maybe you don’t even know how much money you spend during the holidays because you get so caught up in the spirit of the gift-giving season!
But regardless of how you spend your money – or what you spend your money on – you and your spouse end up fighting about money when the credit card bill arrives!
Following are 3 secrets all couples should know to avoiding fighting about money during the Holidays.
1. CREATE A LIST! Make an all-in list of people you and your partner agree to buy gifts for before you begin shopping. Make sure the list includes everyone.
Then STICK to this list! If you didn’t put the substitute teacher on the original list & you remember them while in the store - do not buy a gift for them. They are not on the list – remember?
If you really, really, really want to give your child’s favorite substitute teacher something during the holidays, bake them a pie or give them a call and tell them how much you appreciate them.
2. CREATE A BUDGET! (after you created your list)
Speak with your partner and agree on a Budget before you even think about shopping for anyone, or anything, this holiday season.
I know, I know, it sounds boring. And the Holidays are all about giving - but remember, less can be more. Really.
3. AVOID IMPULSIVE PURCHASES – of EVERYTHING!
Just because something is on “sale” - it doesn’t mean you have to buy it.
If you see a really cute item for purchase, and it wasn’t on the original purchase list -walk away – as fast as you can!
In my work with couples over the years, I’ve found a little bit of conversation before you go shopping, will go a long way to avoid fighting about money during, and after, the holiday season!
For more complimentary relationship and communication advice, go to 911marriagehelp.com and sign up for Dr. Patty Ann's free award winning newsletter.
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