Christmas and credit cards are a deadly mix for many. How can you avoid overspending at this time of year? It’s probably too late to say “save for it” but remember this for next year. Christmas doesn’t come as a surprise so plan for it at the beginning of the year!

Don’t you think it comes along far too quickly? Christmas, I mean. And the fact is that the older you get the quicker it seems to arrive.

The last few years have been tough for many so no doubt others are in the same position as you so will be happy at your suggestions of gift giving this year. Here are a few… Continue reading ‘Christmas and Credit Cards – How to Avoid Overspending at Christmas’ »

After a year of scrimping and saving as households absorbed the impact of the recession, it appears Christmas is set to see the purse strings loosened once more.

Recent research suggests each adult in the UK will spend around £300 on presents this year, as the hard times of the previous 12 months are pushed firmly to the back of people’s minds.

While those receiving the gifts are likely to be mightily grateful, the considerable sized hole that will be left in the gift-givers savings is a worry.

Indeed, a third of savers admit they are likely to spend almost 10% of their savings to help cover the cost of their festive generosity.

It is unclear whether savings pots will be replenished once the festive season has passed, but there is a chance that post-Christmas economic blues could start to hold back the recovery. Continue reading ‘Savers Splash Out For Christmas’ »

“Last year I really overspent on Christmas gifts. In fact, I’m probably still paying for some of them now, as I have a large credit card balance that I’m trying to pay down. I really don’t want this to happen again this year, but I feel that once I hit the plazas, I’ll lose control. Please help me to curb my Christmas spending!”

With only about 10 shopping days left to Christmas day, the seasonal spending frenzy is about to get into high gear. Sometimes reasoning and control will fly out the door, as we get caught up in the hype fed to us by the retailers. After all, this is the time of the year when many shop owners make more money than the rest of the year combined!

While we do want to support a vibrant economy, we can’t afford to lose sight of all our financial goals, or worse, incur massive debt. Here are some tips that will help you to control the urge to splurge this Christmas: Continue reading ‘Control Your Christmas Spending’ »

Christmas is just around the corner. Many of us are already planning how to spend our vacation. Some are even singing a tune or two of their favorite Christmas carols. Christmas in the Philippines is really special. In fact, the season spans at least 3 months, starting in the early “ber” months of September until the misty dawns of December and even extends until the first few days of January. What’s with the three kings and all?

With all the 13th and 14th month pays being given just before the month of December, everyone enjoys his own “extra” jolt of cash. Suddenly, people have money to spend. So they spend their money left and right, partying, buying gifts, busily getting into debt through the “easy monthly payments” for the brand new “ultra cool” mobile phone or flat screen TV. These expenses, if not controlled, can cause a strain on your budget even with the sudden influx of cash. Worse, after spending more money than you have, you end up needing to break your piggy bank.

Here are 7 ways to Celebrate Christmas Without Breaking Your Piggy Bank

1) Give your time.

Time is indeed gold. In the world of business, it is an undeniable fact that your time is worth money. As a contractor or employee, you get paid per hour of you time. Your business generally earns money as long as it is open, which is also restricted by the time of your employees. As the world becomes busier by the minute, your ability to give time is becoming more valuable more than ever. In my opinion, your time is even more valuable than money. Continue reading ‘7 Ways to Celebrate Christmas Without Breaking Your Piggy Bank’ »